What are some of the common vector text effect styles and how do you achieve them?

1 3D Text

One of the most popular and versatile text effect styles is 3D text. It can make your text look realistic, futuristic, or retro, depending on the colors, shapes, and lighting you use. To create 3D text in vector illustration, you need to use a software that supports extrusion, such as Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer. Extrusion is the process of adding depth and perspective to your text by duplicating and offsetting it along a path or axis. You can also adjust the angle, bevel, and material of your 3D text to create different effects.

2 Gradient Text

Another common text effect style is gradient text, which is text that changes color smoothly from one hue to another. Gradient text can create a dynamic and colorful look for your vector illustrations, especially if you use complementary or contrasting colors. To create gradient text in vector illustration, you need to use a software that supports gradient fills, such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. Gradient fills are the options that allow you to apply a gradient to any shape or object, including text. You can choose from different types of gradients, such as linear, radial, or freeform, and customize the colors, positions, and opacity of the gradient stops.

3 Distressed Text

If you want to give your text a vintage or grunge feel, you can use distressed text effect style, which is text that has cracks, scratches, or stains on it. Distressed text can add some texture and character to your vector illustrations, especially if you use fonts that have a rough or handwritten look. To create distressed text in vector illustration, you need to use a software that supports masking or clipping, such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW. Masking or clipping is the technique of hiding or revealing parts of an object using another object as a mask or a clip. You can use images or shapes that have distressed patterns as masks or clips for your text.

4 Glowing Text

If you want to make your text stand out or create a magical or sci-fi vibe, you can use glowing text effect style, which is text that has a bright or neon glow around it. Glowing text can add some light and energy to your vector illustrations, especially if you use dark backgrounds or complementary colors. To create glowing text in vector illustration, you need to use a software that supports effects or filters, such as Adobe Illustrator or Sketch. Effects or filters are the options that allow you to apply various visual effects to your objects, such as blur, shadow, or glow. You can use effects or filters that create a glow effect, such as outer glow, inner glow, or drop shadow, and adjust the color, size, and intensity of the glow.

5 Outline Text

If you want to create a minimalist or elegant text effect style, you can use outline text, which is text that has only the outline and no fill. Outline text can create a contrast and balance with your vector illustrations, especially if you use thin or thick strokes or different colors. To create outline text in vector illustration, you need to use a software that supports stroke options, such as Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer. Stroke options are the options that allow you to change the appearance of the outline of your objects, such as color, width, or dash. You can use stroke options to remove the fill of your text and change the stroke color, width, or style.

6 Warp Text

If you want to create a fun or creative text effect style, you can use warp text, which is text that has a distorted or curved shape. Warp text can add some movement and expression to your vector illustrations, especially if you use fonts that have a playful or whimsical look. To create warp text in vector illustration, you need to use a software that supports warp or transform tools, such as Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape. Warp or transform tools are the tools that allow you to change the shape of your objects by bending, twisting, or stretching them. You can use warp or transform tools to apply different types of warps or transformations to your text, such as arc, wave, or flag.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?