80 top-quality typography tutorials
The web's best typography tutorials - all gathered together in one place. Bookmark this amazing resource now!
Whatever your discipline, typography is an essential part of design, and you can never stop learning about it or improving your typography skills. To help you out, we've gathered together the most amazing typography tutorials from around the web.
Learn how to design a headline typeface, create isometric 3D lettering, smelt your favourite font and much more. You're bound to find something that can help you raise your type skills to the next level...
- Read all our typography-related posts here
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Refresh the basics
01. A crash course in typography: The basics of type
It's probably wise to get back to basics before you go running off into the typography sunset. Here, Cameron Chapman gives you the lowdown on everything from fonts to displays.
02. A crash course in typography: Paragraphs and special characters
In this typography tutorial, Cameron Chapman tells you that yes, designing headers and titles may be more artistic but the set body text is just as important. Here, she explains why with this step-by-step guide.
03. A crash course in typography: principles for combining typefaces
Combining typefaces can be dangerous business, especially if you mix two that certainly don't belong together. Avoid any upset with this typography tutorial that shows you the importance of contrast and mood.
04. A crash course in typography: Pulling it together
Now you've got the basics down and you've dabbled in paragraphs and combining typefaces, take a look at how to pull it all together. In this typography tutorial, Cameron Charlie rounds it all up and shows you how to finish in style.
05. Understanding the difference between type and lettering
Even though lettering and typography share many of the same concepts, and a good eye and understanding of one will enable youin the other as well, they are completely different disciplines. Joseph Alessio explains the difference.
Advanced typography skills
06. Make use of grids for strong typographical layouts
Find out why a well-planned grid is key to creating a good typographical layout that is clean, consistent and easy to navigate.
07. Making sense of type classification
Type classification, while helpful, is often convoluted, confusing and even controversial. Joseph Alessio gets to the bottom of what commonly used type terminology actually means.
08. Creating exciting and unusual visual hierarchies
In this typography tutorial, C Knight and J Glaser look at how frequently type needs to be broken down into different levels, such as topic, importance and tone of voice, and explore how this can be achieved visually.
09. How to work successfully with type in InDesign
Focusing mainly on the Character Formatting control panel, Jo Gulliver shows you how these options can be used on a day-to-day basis to help speed up your workflow in InDesign.
10. Old school type - line gradients
Usually present in wood engraving and sing lettering, line gradients are often shunned when it comes to a more basic design. Throw caution to the wind with this typography tutorial, showcasing how you can get that vintage feel with line gradients.
11. Beginners guide to open type
Jon Black offers an insight into the murky world of OpenType. In this typography tutorial, he'll de-code all you've ever needed to know about this cross-platform type format. Don't worry, you'll be an expert by the end of it.
Web typography skills
12. A guide to web typography
Web typography has come a long way in the past couple of years and you may be feeling a little lost. Graphic designer, writer and publisher John Boardley sets the record straight with this easy to follow guide.
13. How to use typography effectively in web design
After you've taken a look at John Boardley's guide to web typography, this tutorial from Robert Bowen will show you how to take that new-found knowledge and use it effectively. You've no excuses now!
14. Handling typography for responsive design
You've got your layout and images scaling, but you need to have your type following along as well. One size of type does not fit all line lengths or screen widths! This tutorial shows you how.
15. Avoiding faux weights and styles with Google Web Fonts
If you’re using Google Web Fonts on your websites, then there’s a very good chance that 1 in 5 visitors are seeing faux bold and italic versions of your fonts - even if you correctly selected and used all of the weights and styles. Laura Franz explains how to solve this issue.
16. Applying macrotypography for a more readable web page
Nathan Ford focuses mostly on a few simple macrotypographic techniques, with a dash of micro, and explains how to combine them all to build a more harmonious, adaptable and, most importantly, readable web page.
Dreamy retro graphics
17. Create a dream design with 3D typography
Here, you'll create a 3D Typography based design. All the elements will revolve around the centerpiece and theme: dreaming. The word will dictate the entire layout, with trees growing out of the letters, mountains and a glowing moon.
18. Create an awesome broken plate typography effect
You'll start in Illustrator in this tutorial to modifying the original font, then switch to Photoshop in order to play with textures and layer styles. You'll also deal with selection tools and simple methods to create 3d illusion always in Photoshop.
19. Craft cool typography using paths in Photoshop
In this tutorial you'll learn how to create some "cool" custom typography, using the Path option in Photoshop.
20. How to create candy cane typography
This sweet typography tutorial shows you how to create a candy-caned typeface that'll make any design platform the cutest it can be. Along the way, you'll learn how to create advanced vector pattern brushes and use adjustment layers.
21. Learn to fold your retro typography
Using Photoshop, you're going to create retro-looking text that seems like it’s constructed using folded strips of paper. Prepare yourself to heavily rely on Photoshop’s Lasso Tool, as well as some other basic tools and simple techniques.
Create elegant headers
22. Add an extra dimension to your type
Want 3D effects but can't afford the software? Radim Malinic shares a shortcut for creating eye-popping headline typography without the need for plugins or 3D software.
23. Three ways to make elegant headers
This tutorial will explain three different ways to create very simple yet elegant header-style text effects, using only two Layer Styles.
Add some colour to your typography
24. Create dynamic recessed watercolour typography
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to mix vector elements and watercolour effects with text to create a stunning design. It’s a quick process that depends heavily on good choices of images and colours.
25. How to treat your type with neon colours
The best typography tutorials push the envelope and challenge the way you view design. Mateusz Sypien explains how to mix 3D and 2D for some simple, yet stunning text effects.
26. Add fantastic colour to 3D text
In this tutorial, you will learn how to bring a simple text to life and place everything in fantastic, coloured and glowing 3D space.
27. Get crafty with spray paint text
This is aimed at typography beginners and shows you how to create a legitimate spray paint effect that could come in handy for wallpapers. The techniques used are simple, so you'll have no problems here!
28. Add depth and create colour reflection in text
Sometimes it’s the little touch ups that bring out the very best in your creative work. In this tutorial, you will learn to create a contrasting colour reflection which is not only elegant, but simply demanding.
Learn typography through games
29. I shot the Serif
Learn typography through gaming! The aim of this awesome game from To The Point is to shoot only the serif fonts in the available time. Complete all the stages at 'Director Level' to beat the game. Good luck!
30. I love typography: The rather difficult font game
This game takes you through a series of various fonts which you have to name from a choice of four. It may sound easy but it's not!
3D text effects
31. 3D ribbon wrapped text effect
This tutorial will explain how to use the Opacity texture map to create a ribbon-wrapped 3D text effect in Photoshop CS5 environment. Then, it will explain how to create the confetti brush and its layer styles.
32. Create a tasty 3D Typographic
Mark Mayers indulges his sweet tooth, in this cute typography tutorial. Here, he'll show you how to use Photoshop CS6 Extended's new 3D tools to create your desired effect. You'll be using lots of free stock imagery and other Photoshop features.
33. How to create isometric grid-based 3D lettering
Isometric-based letters are the perfect way to reflect structure in a display typeface, as Steven Bonner discovered with a commission for a magazine feature on contemporary architecture.
34. Master the fine art of compositing
Alex Varanese builds a deconstructed urban environment composed of 3D and typography. Like many of the typography tutorials here, the results can be stunning. Armed with this knowledge, what will you be able to create?
35. Use PS action to create awesome 3D type
This tutorial will show you how to create 3D type in Photoshop, using a PS action in one of the steps, just to simplify the process. Let us know if it actually does!
Fire up your typography
36. Nail the particle flame text effect
Here's a different approach to creating a firey text effect. This is an intermediate level tutorial so some steps can be tricky!
37. Get that perfect fire effect in Photoshop
Flames are particularly hard to render in Photoshop, but in this tutorial you'll learn how to use a photograph of fire to set text to the match.
38. Smoke type in 10 easy steps
Want to create type in 10 minutes? Head this way! Here, you'll learn how to create a smoke typography effect playing with some brushes and adjustment layers.
39. Create 'inferno' typography in Photoshop
If you like the thrill of the chase, check out this speed driven inferno typography that's as fast as lightning. You'll be using Photoshop to create this speedy effect, so get cracking!
Snow and ice effects
40. Achieve frosty textures
This tutorial explains how to create a frosting-ice text effect, using a couple of Layer Styles and a simple brush. It will also show you how to modify some settings to adjust the final outcome.
41. Ice text effects
Here you'll practise a dozen methods of how to archive a frozen look on a desired text in Photoshop. One of the most helpful icy typography tutorials we've come across!
42. Get a glossy snow globe text effect
Perfect for Christmas cards and winter themes, this snow globe effect will certainly make you stand out. This tutorial explains how to create it using a couple of brushes and layer styles.
Make your type metallic
43. How to make metallic text
3D software offers great opportunities to create some truly unique typography. In this tutorial, discover how to create a big, bold, attention-grabbing title.
44. How to create eroded metal text With Photoshop
Get an effect close to real thing with this eroded metal text tutorial. Throughout this tutorial you’ll make use of various drawing techniques, channels, and patterns.
45. Create high quality metal 3D text in Photoshop
If you don't have a particular programme for 3D typography, never fear! This handy tutorial creates 3D effects using Photoshop and a splash of creativity.
46. Create a metallic treatment using Cinema 4D
In this tutorial you'll will learn how to combine Cinema 4D and Photoshop to create metal textured 3D typography that includes ornate and decorative swirls. Nice!
47. Achieve a pewter metal style type
Follow this step by step tutorial to create a realistic pewter style metal text effect in Photoshop. The best part is it’s really easy! Just a couple of Photoshop layer styles is all it takes.
Eye-catching type effects
48. Awesome milk typography effect in Photoshop
This typography tutorial is brought to you by design blogAbduzeedo. Here, they'll show you how to use Photoshop and Illustrator to create a milky splash effect.
49. Suspend your text
In this tutorial, you'll discover how to give your typography a suspended effect, with a few simple steps. A quirky way to improve your text creativity!
50. Experiment with type in Adobe Flash
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to scan a text graphic and use its shape to create unique effects with ActionScript.
51. Text carving on wood
Text carving on wood is a brilliant typography technique that is perfect for projects such as invitations and brochures. There's a few tricks to learn along the way so pay attention!
52. How to make your type melt
More typography tutorials... In this one, Steven Bonner show you how to take a solid object and melt it into liquid using Illustrator, Photoshop and a combination of filters and hand painting.
53. How to build type with pizzazz
The overriding theme of the typography tutorials here is one of experimentation. Who says type has to be plain to be bold? Tom Lane demonstrates how to draw on pattern work to add intricate detail to your type designs.
54. Playful typographic treatments
In this tutorial, Jessica Walsh explains how she created her 'Prosperity' typography out of geometric shapes, gradients, lines and a few useful Adobe Illustrator effects.
55. Super cool frilly bits typography
Embrace the frilly side of life with this tutorial from Abduzeedo. Gaining inspiration from a design by Ginger Monkey Design, they'll show you how to achieve a similar style, by mixing various vectors.
56. Create a realistic fabric text effect
Another easy yet effective way to create realist text effects; this tutorial deals with the idea of fashioning plain text into something more.
Design your own type
57. How to design an intricate display font
This excellent example of our best typography tutorials guides you through the process of creating a detailed and eye-catching font from your vector creations. And without sacrificing quality.
58. How to design a headline typeface
Starting from the all-important concept sketches, Computer Arts guides you through the process of fine-tuning ideas into fully defined letterforms. Then, use Illustrator to transform your glyphs from geometric shapes into a final headline type.
59. How to design an experimental typeface
Sorin Bechira shows you how to create an illustration from type. See how he uses the Liquify tool to do this and how you can combine stock imagery with custom marks for some eye-catching results.
60. Kaboom! Exploding Text
Pack a punch with this awesome typography tutorial. Here, you'll find out how to use 3D Studio Max (make sure you know the basics) to create a comic style font that'll catch the eye.
61. Creating a custom font
You may think that the blend tool is only reserved for very special occasions. The reality is, is that it can be used on a regular basis to create striking typography. Find out how with this typography tutorial.
62. Learn to create a variety of script lettering
If, like us, you love a good script typeface then head this way. Jesse Hora uses Adobe Illustrator to showcase three different approaches to creating three different script fonts.
Make a typography poster
63. How to design a classic serif poster
From choosing the perfect font to bespoke glyphs and ligatures, Emiliano Surez reveals how to manipulate serif type in your design work.
64. How to create an impactful slab-serif poster
In this typography poster tutorial, Vilaz's Pedro Vilas-Boas and Ctia Oliveira reveal some cool techniques for blending type and illustration in Adobe InDesign.
65. Big typography snowboarding poster
Why not go big with this typography tutorial from Andrew Houle. After researching the subject, he turned to Photoshop to create a striking snowboarding poster with font as big as you like.
66. Use glyphs to create a striking typographic poster
Our pals over at Computer Arts are nothing short of brilliant. Here, they give us another fantastic tutorial focusing on glyphs in typography, brought to you by their art editor Jo Gulliver.
Animate your fonts
67. How to simulate cut-out text in After Effects
Andy Davenport shows how to create the animated effect of a shape being cut out from a hard surface.
68. Create the amazing Spider-Man title sequence
In this After Effects tutorial you'll be using ShapeShifter AE, whilst combining shape layers and layer masks, to model and animate Spidey's symbol.
69. Kinetic typography techniques with After Effects
Creative director and motion graphic artist Angie Taylor shows how to use Photoshop and Adobe After Effects for kinetic typography - combining text and motion to express ideas in the form of animation.
Illustrative typography
70. Create elegant leafy lettering
See how well Illustrator and Photoshop work together with this nature-tastic tutorial. You'll produce elegant leafy lettering that can be used for a variety of projects.
71. Create a smokin' Western type treatment in illustrator
Ryan Putman is a professional vector illustrator and all-round know-how of Adobe Illustrator. In this typography tutorial, he shows you how to get that Cowboy feelin' with this rough and ready Western type treatment.
Typography in Photoshop and Illustrator
72. Create a bending 3D text effect in Adobe Illustrator
In this Illustrator tutorial, you'll learn how to create a bending 3D text effect that will make any design stand out. In addition to using the 3D tools, you’ll layer letter shapes to create color shifts with gradients and highlights. You’ll also work in subtle patterns controlled with Opacity Masks.
73. Music equalizer text effect
After trawling the larger tutorial sites, independent Romanian graphic artist Alex Roman noticed a gap when it came to an effect such as this. He took it upon himself to create this awesome equalizer effect using Photoshop.
74. Create a Matrix effect text
We've all seen the awesome opening to one of our favourite sci-fi movies, The Matrix and the fantastic font that goes with it. Ever wanted to have a go at making it yourself? You've come to the right place.
75. Get glossy with unusual textured typography
This is a very simple way to create glossy particles within a textured text effect, using two Layer styles, and two Filters.
76. Use Photoshop CS5 to add leaves to your text
This tutorial will take you less than an hour to complete in Adobe Photoshop CS5. The teacher claims the tutorial is pretty simple, so this is definitely one to try out.
77. How to make your type STAND OUT
Alex Gill shows you how to combine Illustrator's 3D capabilities with Photoshop work. This tutorial also covers the best way to manage your layers and how to add subtle lighting techniques to your type.
78. Create a furry Calligram in Illustrator
Sharon Milne has previously created the Meow Calligram and now she's back - instead, channeling her creative energy from her dog Poppy. In this typography tutorial, she'll show you how to manipulate a typeface through to rendering fur and adding those essential doggy features.
79. Melting honey typography tutorial
Create a buzz with this typography tutorial. Using Photoshop, you'll have your typeface dripping with style following this simple step-by-step guide to creating a honey-kissed typeface.
80. Illustrator tutorial - 3D lighted text effect
If you love to indulge in 3D, take a look at this typography tutorial from Tranfuchsian - a blog for designers, offering plenty of free vector resources and articles. Here, they'll show you how to light up your 3D typeface.
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