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

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  1. Press T for the Type tool, click the canvas and type. A bold font stays readable when bent.

    Press T for the Type tool, click the canvas and type. A bold font stays readable when bent. — Curve text for thumbnails with Warp Text

  2. With the type layer selected, open Type > Warp Text.

    With the type layer selected, open Type > Warp Text. — Curve text for thumbnails with Warp Text

  3. Pick a style such as Arc, Flag or Wave. The baseline under the text bends with the preview.

    Pick a style such as Arc, Flag or Wave. The baseline under the text bends with the preview. — Curve text for thumbnails with Warp Text

  4. Set the amount with Bend and the tilt with Horizontal and Vertical Distortion. Sliders update the canvas as you drag.

    Set the amount with Bend and the tilt with Horizontal and Vertical Distortion. Sliders update the canvas as you drag. — Curve text for thumbnails with Warp Text

  5. Click OK, then turn on Stroke and Drop Shadow in Layer Style so it reads over any background.

    Click OK, then turn on Stroke and Drop Shadow in Layer Style so it reads over any background. — Curve text for thumbnails with Warp Text

  6. Export as JPG from File > Export. A YouTube thumbnail is 1280 × 720.

    Export as JPG from File > Export. A YouTube thumbnail is 1280 × 720. — Curve text for thumbnails with Warp Text
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.