Outline text so it reads on any photo
Two ways to outline text, when to use each, the width that reads without looking like a meme, and hollow outlined letters with Fill at zero.
Beginner2 min readUpdated 27 September 2026Editor · Type, Layer styles
Two methods
| Method | Where | Good for | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outline in Properties | Text layer, Properties, Outline: Add | Quick captions and labels | One colour, centred on the edge, no position control |
| Stroke layer style | Layer styles, Stroke: colour, width, position Inside, Centre or Outside | Headlines, thumbnails, hollow text, stacking with a shadow | Slightly more clicks |
Steps with a layer style
- Select the text layer. Open Layer styles (Properties, or double-click the layer in the Layers panel).
- Add Stroke. Set the colour (white or black almost always), the width, and Position: Outside so the letterforms are not eaten.
- For more separation from the photo, add Drop shadow as well: small distance, size 10 to 20, opacity 40 to 60.
- For hollow text, under Blending options set Fill opacity to 0 per cent. The letters vanish and the stroke stays.
- Retype or resize the text at any point; the style follows.
Before you outline, consider
- Darken the photo under the text: select the area behind it, add a Curves adjustment, then Layer, Layer mask, Add layer mask so it only darkens there. Or put a dark shape behind the text and lower its opacity to 50 to 70 per cent.
- Put the text on a flat band or box. It reads at any size and looks designed rather than defended.
- Move the text to the quietest part of the photo. Outlines fix contrast; they do not fix a busy background.
How thick should a text outline be?
About 2 to 4 per cent of the text size: 2 to 4 px on a 100 px headline, 1 px on 30 px captions. If that is not enough, the fix is the photo behind the text, not a thicker stroke.
How do I make hollow outlined text?
Add a Stroke layer style, then set Fill opacity to 0 in Blending options. The stroke stays at full strength while the letters go transparent.
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