How to Create Text with a Photo or Pattern Background

Want to create those trendy leopard print or buffalo plaid letters? It takes just three steps! This text effect can be done in any graphic design program with a clipping mask feature. Below the tutorial is a video where I show how to do it in Photoshop.

Option 1: Using a clipping mask to add a background to text

A clipping mask can be use to show a layer only where there are pixels on the layer below. It’s a quick way to add photos, patterns, or textures to another layer without have to use a selection tool. A clipping mask will automatically update when the main layer is edited. Here’s the short tutorial:

1. Create a text layer
2. Add a layer ABOVE the text layer with the photo, pattern, or other art you want to fill the text with
3. Enable the clipping mask on the top layer that contains your fill content

Here’s more information on using clipping masks in different graphic design programs:

• Photoshop Clipping Masks
• Procreate Clipping Masks
• Affinity Clipping Masks

Option 2: Using the Pattern feature in Photoshop to add a seamless pattern to text

Using the Pattern feature is a a great way to fill text with a repeating pattern while leaving both the text and pattern editable. Here’s how to create a pattern and add it to text in Photoshop:

Create a repeating pattern

1. Open an image in Photoshop
2. Select > All
3. Edit > Define pattern

Fill text with a repeating pattern

1. Create a text layer
2. Double-click on the text layer to open the Layer Style dialog
3. Click the Pattern Overlay option
4. Click the drop-down next to the pattern to select your pattern
   • Use the Scale option to resize your pattern
   • Click and drag on the layer to move the pattern around (must still have Layer Style dialog open)
5. Click Okay to apply the pattern

Video: Adding a photo or pattern to text in Photoshop