To copy the same text style in Photoshop, you generally have two primary approaches depending on whether you are trying to match a style from an image or copy a style from an existing text layer within your document.
Copying Text Style by Matching from an Image
If you want to replicate the font and basic style of text found within an image (like in a photograph or scan), Photoshop offers a feature to analyze the text and suggest matching fonts. As hinted at in the provided reference, Photoshop can analyze text within an image, and then "when you go over to your text options it'll be selected," allowing you to then "type whatever you'd like" using that identified style.
Here's how this process typically works using the Match Font feature:
- Open the image containing the text style you want to copy.
- Go to the menu: Type > Match Font...
- A dialog box will appear with a selection marquee. Drag and resize the marquee over the text in your image that you want Photoshop to analyze.
- Photoshop will analyze the selected area and display a list of suggested fonts installed on your computer or available through Adobe Fonts that are similar to the text in the image.
- Select the font that best matches the style you want to copy from the list.
- Once a font is selected in the Match Font dialog, you can then close the dialog box. Now, when you select the Type Tool (T) and create a new text layer, the font you selected from the Match Font results should be active in the Options bar, ready for you to "type whatever you'd like" with the identified style.
This method is excellent for identifying fonts used in external images to replicate their appearance in your designs.
Copying Text Style Between Layers
More commonly, you might want to copy the style attributes (like font, size, color, tracking, leading, alignment, and even layer effects such as drop shadow, stroke, etc.) from one existing text layer to another text layer within your Photoshop document.
You can achieve this by copying and pasting Layer Styles and sometimes by copying specific text properties or duplicating the layer itself.
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Copying Layer Styles: Layer Styles include effects like Drop Shadow, Inner Shadow, Outer Glow, Inner Glow, Bevel and Emboss, Satin, Color Overlay, Gradient Overlay, Pattern Overlay, and Stroke.
- In the Layers panel, Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (macOS) on the layer containing the style you want to copy.
- Select Copy Layer Style.
- Right-click (Windows) or Control-click (macOS) on the target layer where you want to paste the style.
- Select Paste Layer Style.
- Note: This only copies the Layer Styles, not the font, size, or character/paragraph formatting.
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Copying Text Formatting (Font, Size, etc.): While there isn't a direct "copy text formatting" like in word processors, you can replicate it manually or semi-automatically.
- Manual Replication: Select the source text layer, note its settings in the Character and Paragraph panels (Font, Size, Leading, Tracking, Kerning, Alignment, Color, etc.). Select the target text layer, and manually input these same settings.
- Duplicating and Editing: Duplicate the source text layer (Ctrl+J or Cmd+J). This creates an exact copy including style and formatting. Then, select the Type Tool (T), click on the duplicated text, and type your new text. This is the fastest way to replicate all aspects of a text layer's appearance and formatting.
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Using the Eyedropper Tool (Limited): When the Type Tool (T) is active, using the Eyedropper Tool (I) can sample a color. Clicking on text with the Eyedropper while the Type Tool is active will change the active text color to the sampled color, but it won't copy font or other styles.
Methods Summary
| Method | What it Copies | Best Use Case | Related to Reference? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match Font | Font, potentially basic style hints from an image | Replicating text from photos/scans/external graphics | Yes |
| Copy/Paste Layer Style | Layer Effects (Shadow, Glow, Stroke, etc.) | Applying graphic effects from one layer to another | No |
| Duplicate Layer | All formatting (Font, Size, Color, Spacing) + Layer Styles | Creating new text with exact same appearance as existing | No |
| Manual Copying | All formatting (Font, Size, Color, Spacing) | Applying specific settings precisely | No |
By utilizing these methods, you can effectively copy or match text styles in Photoshop, whether you're working from an external image or managing layers within your project.
