How to Add a Thick Outline in Photoshop
There are several ways to create outlined text in Photoshop, but most require you to render the text. Here’s a technique for a thick outline that allows the type to remain editable. You can use this technique to add an outline to any object or selection, not just text.
How to Add a Thick Outline to Type Quickly
If you’re pressed for time, here’s an easy method that takes about 45 seconds.
Inside means the stroke will be placed inside the edges of the selection.Center puts the stroke equally inside and outside the selection.Outside runs the stroke along the outside edge of the selection.
Alternatively, you can use a Brush on the selection.
Tips
If you edit the text, you’ll need to trash the outline layer and recreate it. For a thinner outline, the layer effects method is preferred (see related information below). For a ragged outline, set the layer blend mode to Dissolve and lower the opacity. For a gradient-filled outline, Ctrl-click (Windows) or Command-click (macOS) on the outline layer, and fill the selection with a gradient. If you have a Creative Cloud account, open your Creative Cloud Library and double-click a brush you have created to apply it to a path. You can create brushes easily with the Adobe Capture app, which is available for Android and iOS devices.
