How to Add Text Behind Objects with Shadows in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever wondered how to create the eye-catching effect of text appearing behind a person or object in an image — while still showing natural shadows and lighting — you’re in the right place. This visual technique is incredibly popular in advertising, editorial layouts, digital posters, and cinematic thumbnails. It adds depth and realism to your designs without requiring 3D tools or complicated software.

In this step-by-step Photoshop tutorial, you’ll learn how to place text behind a subject while preserving its natural shadows. We’ll cover how to select your subject, apply a non-destructive mask, and blend layers for a photo-realistic effect — even if you're a beginner.

Bonus: We’ve included a free high-resolution image so you can use in this tutorial.

What You’ll Need:

• Adobe Photoshop (any version with masking and selection tools)
• The provided image

Step-by-Step Photoshop Guide

Step 1: Open the Sample Image

• Launch Photoshop.
• Go to File > Open and choose the image you downloaded.
• In the Layers panel, rename the base image to "Base Image".

Step 2: Add Your Text

• Select the Type Tool (T).
• Click anywhere on the canvas and type your message (e.g., "TEXT").
• Resize and position the text so it overlaps part of the foreground subject.

Step 3: Select the Foreground Object

To mask the text behind your subject, we need to isolate the subject.

Option A: Auto Select with AI

• Go to Select > Subject.
• Photoshop will automatically detect and select the main object (like the woman’s profile in our sample).

Option B: Manual Selection (for fine control)

• Use the Pen Tool, Quick Selection Tool, or Lasso Tool for precision.
• Once selected, refine edges if necessary.

Step 4: Add a Layer Mask to the Text

• With the subject selected, click on the Text layer.
• Click the Add Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
• This hides the overlapping parts of the text — making it appear behind the subject.

Step 5: Refine the Mask (Optional but Recommended)

• Click on the mask thumbnail next to your text layer.
• Go to Select > Select and Mask.
• Adjust:

Feather: Softens the edge
Contrast: Sharpens the selection

• Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool for tricky areas like hair.

Step 6: Preserve the Natural Shadows

If your subject casts a shadow (like under hair or jawlines), preserve that realism:

1. Duplicate the "Base Image" layer.

2. Drag the duplicate above your text layer.

3. Right-click it and choose Blending Options.

4. Under Blend If, adjust the Underlying Layer sliders:

• Alt-drag the dark slider split for smooth blending.

5. Set the duplicated layer's Blend Mode to Multiply.

Alternatively, convert the layer to a Smart Object, then:

• Add a Black & White adjustment.
• Use Levels to isolate shadows.
• Blur slightly with Gaussian Blur.
• Set the blend mode to Multiply.

Step 7: Final Touches

• Adjust your text’s color, opacity, or add Layer Styles.
• Consider adding a subtle Drop Shadow or Inner Shadow for extra depth.
• Zoom in and check edges for realism.

Layer Stack Reference

Your Photoshop layers should look like this:

• Base Image copy (Blend: Multiply)
• Text (with layer mask)
• Base Image

Pro Tips:

• Use displacement maps to warp text to the subject’s contours.
• Try with logos or graphics, not just text.
• Save your mask as a separate channel for future edits.

Bonus Practice Ideas:

• Animate the effect in After Effects for YouTube intros.
• Combine with a blur background for modern magazine designs.