Preserved Topic: Schnarf, er, I have a question about text layers.

So I make a text layer.
I want to do something with it that one might do with a normal layer.
I can't do it until I make a blank layer and merge it with my text layer.

There is an easier way to handle this, right?

-rat

p.s. - I'm running PS 5

ok, depends what you want to do to it.
the obvious answer is to render the layer:
1) layer -> type -> render layer
or
2) right click the "T" on the layer, and click "render layer"

but if you want to keep the text editable, and change the look, then try
1) layer -> group with previous
2) crtl + g
3) crtl+alt+click the line between the two layers.

i doubt the latter option is what you are after, but play with this function anyway, its neat.

No matter what, you can't apply things like layer effects to a text layer while it is still editable. So you have to rightclick on that little 'T' which appears on the right of the layer title, and go to 'render layer'. Sorry, but it's the only way I know of.




Pretty...What do we blow up first? - Unknown

You can't apply layer effects to a type layer? What kind of effects do you mean? The ones like drop shadow and inner glow and emboss work fine, and update dynamically when you edit the text.

yeah, you can apply layer effects.

Just can't do much else without rendering it first.

Whoops...sorry, got myself mixed up there.



Sorry again.




Pretty...What do we blow up first? - Unknown

Ah, I see the light.

I knew about the render layer option, but I didn't know where to find it. I right-clicked everywhere but on the 't'.

Thanks guys,

-rat