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Introduction and Setup

This tutorial was originally a discussion of a fairly easy method for creating fake ascii art in Photoshop with out the use of any special filters.

But shortly after I posted this tutorial a visitor to the site thought of an even easier way to get the same end result and posted it in the forums. As a result this tutorial was updated and now contains both methods for creating imitation ascii art.

Method 1 - Grouped Layers

Note: This is by far the easier of the two methods, and has other advantages such as editable text.

Create a new layer with the image that you want to use for this effect. Additionally create a new layer below the image layer and insert a text field, use a small font and type in the text that you want to use for the effect.

Then click on the image layer to select it then goto Layer->Group with Previous or hit Ctrl+G. And thats all there is to it.

Method 2 - Layer Mask

Note: This is the more complicated method originally posted in the tutorial, I really can't think of any advantages to using this method. But its a good example of how different techniques can yeild similar results.

Create a new layer with the image that you want to use for this effect. Additionally create a new layer above the image layer and insert a text field, use small, crisp font and black as the text color then type in the text you want to use. Make sure that it is typed in correctly because you will not be able to go back and correct it later.

Now for the important part, the way the effect works is that we use the text as a guide to create a mask to hide certain parts of the picture. Toggle off the visibility of the image layer then follow these steps.

1. Set black as your foreground color.
2. Go to Select -> Color Range... And use the following settings (popup).
3. Now go to the layers panel and click on the image layer to make it visible, and to select it.
4. Then from the bottom of the layers panel hit the add layer mask button or goto Layer -> Add Layermask -> Reveal Selection
5. Finally fill the background layer with black, the images usually look a lot better with a black background.

Extension

Keep in mind that this technique isnt just limited to text for example you could use a pattern of images to create the layer mask.

If you liked this tutorial you might also like

• Photoshop Custom Filter.
• Photoshop Clear Ice Text.
• Photoshop Metal Texture.