Resizing A Type Layer's Bounding Box

I have a type layer in which I want the text to be centered in the middle of my image. I have selected the "centered" option, but when I create the text layer the bounding box is the size of the text I typed. When I try to resize the bounding box to the width of my image by dragging the handles, it stretches the text. I know there is a way to resize the bounding box without affecting the text because I somehow did it when trying to figure it out, but I don't know what I did. Can someone tell me how to resize the bounding box without affecting the text? Thanks.
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Nathan Sokalski

http://www.nathansokalski.com/

Nathan,

If you are making the bounding box as big as the layer to enable centering, there are other methods.
To find the centre of the layer below the intended text layer, hit control +R to show the rulers (if not visible) then hit control + T to bring up the transform option.
You will see a "gunsite" in the centre of the selection. Drag horizontal and vertical guides from the rulers to intersect with this "gunsite" Then cancel the transform option. You can then make you text box as big or small as you wish and then centre the text boxes centre over the guides.

HTH
MH

That is all great except you don't tell me HOW to make the text box "as big or small as you wish". I don't want to change the size or shape of the text, just the box. When I created the text with the Type Tool, I specified the alignment to be Center, and I need a way to specify what it is centered between, which, unless I am mistaken, are the left and right edges of the bounding box. My reason for wanting to center the text using this method is because I am making a button from which I will be making many other buttons, and it would be much faster and more efficient if I could simply change the text rather than manually recenter it. How do I resize the bounding box without stretching, skewing, or in any other way transforming the text? Thanks.
--
Nathan Sokalski

http://www.nathansokalski.com/

"Mike Hyndman" wrote in message

Nathan,

If you are making the bounding box as big as the layer to enable centering, there are other methods.
To find the centre of the layer below the intended text layer, hit control +R to show the rulers (if not visible) then hit control + T to bring up the transform option.
You will see a "gunsite" in the centre of the selection. Drag horizontal and vertical guides from the rulers to intersect with this "gunsite" Then cancel the transform option. You can then make you text box as big or small as you wish and then centre the text boxes centre over the guides.
HTH
MH

"Nathan Sokalski" wrote in message

That is all great except you don't tell me HOW to make the text box "as big or small as you wish". I don't want to change the size or shape of the text, just the box. When I created the text with the Type Tool, I specified the alignment to be Center, and I need a way to specify what it is centered between, which, unless I am mistaken, are the left and right edges of the bounding box. My reason for wanting to center the text using this method is because I am making a button from which I will be making many other buttons, and it would be much faster and more efficient if I could simply change the text rather than manually recenter it. How do I resize the bounding box without stretching, skewing, or in any other way transforming the text? Thanks.

Nathan,

You make a text box by clicking, holding and dragging to the size you want it to be. But why? You say you are making a button, so it isn't that the text layer is going to contain an essay is it. What is wrong with just clicking on the type tool then clicking on the image where you want the text to be and start typing? There would be no need for applying centring etc., as you could position the text where you wanted it to be by dragging the text with the mouse when you had finished typing.
Six pages of button tutorials
http://www.pixel2life.com/tutorials/Adobe_Photoshop/All/?ba= 4&a=7&c=1&f=15&c=1&d=1&ss=buttons

MH

In my first reply, I mentioned that I did not want need to manually determine the center each time (or, more specifically, move the text, since the gunshot already determines the center). It would be less steps if all I had to do was change the text, which is all I would have to do if I could resize the bounding box without transforming the text. Besides, since I know there is a way to do that, it would definitely be useful knowledge for the future if I knew how.
--
Nathan Sokalski

http://www.nathansokalski.com/

"Mike Hyndman" wrote in message

"Nathan Sokalski" wrote in message

That is all great except you don't tell me HOW to make the text box "as big or small as you wish". I don't want to change the size or shape of the text, just the box. When I created the text with the Type Tool, I specified the alignment to be Center, and I need a way to specify what it is centered between, which, unless I am mistaken, are the left and right edges of the bounding box. My reason for wanting to center the text using this method is because I am making a button from which I will be making many other buttons, and it would be much faster and more efficient if I could simply change the text rather than manually recenter it. How do I resize the bounding box without stretching, skewing, or in any other way transforming the text? Thanks.

Nathan,

You make a text box by clicking, holding and dragging to the size you want it to be. But why? You say you are making a button, so it isn't that the text layer is going to contain an essay is it. What is wrong with just clicking on the type tool then clicking on the image where you want the text to be and start typing? There would be no need for applying centring etc., as you could position the text where you wanted it to be by dragging the text with the mouse when you had finished typing.
Six pages of button tutorials
http://www.pixel2life.com/tutorials/Adobe_Photoshop/All/?ba= 4&a=7&c=1&f=15&c=1&d=1&ss=buttons

MH

"Nathan Sokalski" wrote in message

In my first reply, I mentioned that I did not want need to manually determine the center each time (or, more specifically, move the text, since the gunshot already determines the center). It would be less steps if all I had to do was change the text, which is all I would have to do if I could resize the bounding box without transforming the text. Besides, since I know there is a way to do that, it would definitely be useful knowledge for the future if I knew how.

Nathan,

I have tried to emulate the problem with the textbox you describe but was unable to do so. If I make a text box, insert text and then drag a resizing handle out, the box increases in size and the text rearranges itself to take advantage of the increase in space. It does not distort the text. What you describe is more like the application of "control+T" (free transform, which is almost identical in appearance to a text box, except the outline is solid not dotted) not just "T" (the type tool). If I want to change the text in any way, I do it by clicking on the T thumbnail on the layers palette to make the text selection active, this works with text applied via insertion point (text is highlighted) or typed in a text box. (text box boundaries are displayed)

Mike H

I think I found my problem. Rather than dragging a rectangle when initially creating the Type layer, I was clicking, therefore creating a point type layer rather than a paragraph type layer. I was confused before because I couldn't tell the difference after the Type layer had been created. I apologize for any frustration I may have caused you, and I appreciate all your help. Thanks.
--
Nathan Sokalski

http://www.nathansokalski.com/

"Mike Hyndman" wrote in message

"Nathan Sokalski" wrote in message

In my first reply, I mentioned that I did not want need to manually determine the center each time (or, more specifically, move the text, since the gunshot already determines the center). It would be less steps if all I had to do was change the text, which is all I would have to do if I could resize the bounding box without transforming the text. Besides, since I know there is a way to do that, it would definitely be useful knowledge for the future if I knew how.

Nathan,

I have tried to emulate the problem with the textbox you describe but was unable to do so. If I make a text box, insert text and then drag a resizing handle out, the box increases in size and the text rearranges itself to take advantage of the increase in space. It does not distort the text. What you describe is more like the application of "control+T" (free transform, which is almost identical in appearance to a text box, except the outline is solid not dotted) not just "T" (the type tool). If I want to change the text in any way, I do it by clicking on the T thumbnail on the layers palette to make the text selection active, this works with text applied via insertion point (text is highlighted) or typed in a text box. (text box boundaries are displayed)

Mike H

"Nathan Sokalski" wrote in message

I think I found my problem. Rather than dragging a rectangle when initially creating the Type layer, I was clicking, therefore creating a point type layer rather than a paragraph type layer. I was confused before because I couldn't tell the difference after the Type layer had been created. I apologize for any frustration I may have caused you, and I appreciate all your help. Thanks.

Nathan,

No problem glad you solved it. I still can't understand why you text became distorted though. Thanks for the update.

Regards

Mike H