Step 19: Add Scan Line Texture to Background Shape

The middle section of this background shape appears a little plain. Perhaps we can add some scan-line texture to the background shape. Instead of applying a scan line texture to the shape layer, we want to apply it to a separate layer of its own. That way we have more options as to what I can do on the texture layer.

I duplicated the shape layer by dragging it to the new layer icon.

Let's simplify this layer by combining all of its effect. With the copied layer selected, do menu "Layer -> Rasterize -> Shape" and we get ...

showing that the shape object has become a bitmap.

Now do "Layer -> Layer Mask -> Apply" and we have combined the layer mask with the bitmap to become just a single simply bitmap ...

Step 20: Define Pattern for Texture

We plan to apply a texture to this bitmap. But before we do, we need to construct our scan line texture. Create a new document 4 pixels by 4 pixel and zoom in close. With a black pencil, draw a top line as shown.

Define Pattern

And define it as a pattern by going to menu "Edit -> Define Pattern". In the Pattern definition dialog, give it a pattern name of "horizontal lines". You can now close (without saving) the 4 by 4 pixel document.

Step 21: Apply Pattern

Back to our texture layer in our original document, click the effects icon and select "Bevel and Emboss".

Note that you can also adjust the scale and depth of the pattern to your liking.

Here is what we have...

But we don't want scan lines where the tag line text is. We just want scan line in the center portion. As before, we apply a layer mask with the following gradient to mask out the ends.

And now we get...

Next

In the next lesson, we will add additional text to the masthead.