85 amazing typography tutorials

Advertisement

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

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.

Web typography skills

05. Master web typography

Elliot Jay Stocks explains the fundamentals of web typography and  some advanced techniques to take your type to the next level.

06. 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.

07. 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!

08. 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.

Create elegant headers

09. 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.

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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!

15. 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.

3D text effects

16. 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.

17. 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!

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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?

Fire up your typography

21. 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!

22. 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!

23. 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.

24. 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.

Snow and ice effects

25. 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.

26. 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!

27. 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

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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!

Eye-catching type effects

33. Awesome milk typography effect in Photoshop

This typography tutorial is brought to you by design blog Abduzeedo. Here, they'll show you how to use Photoshop and Illustrator to create a milky splash effect.

34. 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.

35. 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!

36. 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.

37. 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!

Design your own type

38. Create a font

Can’t find the font you need? Why not design one yourself? Tom Lane shows you how to create your own hand-drawn type.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. 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.

44. 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

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. How to create a striking exhibition poster

Computer Arts staffer Luke O'Neill runs through the creation of a poster for an imaginary exhibition called Sirens. This tutorial covers the creation of a simple logotype and grid, use of typography, image editing and pattern creation.

Animate your fonts

50. 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.

51. 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.

52. How to animate your fonts in Cinema 4D

Learn how to animate 3D text with ease, use the MoGraph Cloner effector, add Dynamics to objects and render your animations.

53. 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.

54. How to bring your type to life

Want to create quick and easy animated lettering? Chris Johnson-Standley, aka Rogue Robot, shows you how it's done in one of our favourite typography tutorials.

55. Animate your fonts in Cinema 4D

In this tutorial, you'll see how to create and animate 3D text in Cinema 4D R12. Specifically, learn how to use the MoGraph Cloner effector to build a word with letters consisting of many small, repeated spheres.

Expand your typography skills

56. 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.

57. 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.

58. 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.

59. 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.

60. 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.

61. 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.

62. 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.

63. 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.

Illustrative typography

64. How to take control of illustrated typography

This tutorial walks you through how to arrange, group and add effects and object styles to type, which you can use to create some interesting and varied results.

65. Have you explored illustrative typography yet?

"Personally, I try to blur the line between illustration and typography, and enjoy the unexpected images that can come from looking for something familiar in the shapes of individual letters." - Steven Bonner

66. How to create illustrated type from an existing font

See why designing a unique piece of illustrated typography can be a great way to draw attention to your work.

67. 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.

68. How to build a geometric typeface

Colorado-based type foundry cypher13 reveals how to design a geometric font using an isometric triangular grid.

69. 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.

Design a logo

70. How to create a typographical logomark

Get an insider's view on the process of creating a typographical logo from scratch. This typographic walk-through touches on all the essentials of transforming a font into a logo.

71. How to design a logo that doesn't suck

In this project, Ronald J. Cala II takes you through the process of creating a graphic-based logo from scratch. Click the title here to find out how to manipulate positive and negative space to create an attention-grabbing, versatile logo you can be proud of.

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. Create distorted typography in Photoshop

Chris Golden explains a simple way of experimenting with typography in your work.

74. 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.

75. 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.

76. 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.

77. 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.

78. 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.

79. 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.

80. 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.

81. 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.

82. 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.

83. How to make your type pop with Layer Styles

Joao Oliveira shows you how to turn flat typography into rich and vibrant lettering.

Learn typography through games

84. 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!

85. 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!

That's it for now. Thanks for reading! Check back regularly for more typography tutorials. And let us know how you get on in the comments box below.