How to use PhotoVim

Curve text for thumbnails with Warp Text

Updated 2026-09-03

Curved text reads better over a photo. PhotoVim’s Warp Text uses the same style list as Photoshop, and the text stays editable after warping so you can change the words or font later.

Steps

  1. Press T for the Type tool, click the canvas and type. A bold font stays readable when bent.
  2. With the type layer selected, open Type > Warp Text.
  3. Pick a style such as Arc, Flag or Wave. The baseline under the text bends with the preview.
  4. Set the amount with Bend and the tilt with Horizontal and Vertical Distortion. Sliders update the canvas as you drag.
  5. Click OK, then turn on Stroke and Drop Shadow in Layer Style so it reads over any background.
  6. Export as JPG from File > Export. A YouTube thumbnail is 1280 × 720.
Worth knowing

After warping, double-click the text with the Type tool to change the words. To change the shape, open Warp Text again.

Try it in the editor

Questions

Does warped text open in Photoshop from a PSD?

A type layer with warp is saved as pixels. Type layers without warp round-trip as editable text.

Can I warp an image instead of text?

Edit > Transform > Warp bends an image layer, with the same list of shapes.