Rasterizing Your Type Layer in Photoshop

The Type tool creates editable type layers. You can change the wording, spacing, font, font size, and other factors as much as you want, as long as the type remains in a type layer. However, after you’ve made all the changes you want, you need to convert your type layer to pixels in the form of rasterized type. After they’re rasterized, you can apply filters, paint on the type, and apply gradients and patterns. Rasterizing type layers allows you to merge the type with other pixels in your image and, eventually, flatten the image to create a finished document suitable for use with other programs.

After you’ve converted your type to pixels, you can no longer edit the type. Nor can you resize the text without risking jaggies. You’ll want to rasterize your type only when you’re certain you won’t need to edit or resize it. Make a copy of the type layer before you rasterize it and toggle off the visibility. To rasterize your type, select the type layer that you want to convert to pixels. Then choose Layer➪Rasterize➪Type. The type is shown in the Layers palette on a transparent background.