Thread: [WIP] New Continent Map

If you want all your text on one layer (and I wouldn't do that until you're SURE those are the names you want, and the appearance you want), move all your text layers on the menu box so they're in one group, with no other layers in between 'em. Left click on the top-most text layer, then shift + left click the bottom-most text layer. All the text layers should now be highlighted. Then go to Layer --> Merge Layers. Boom! Done.

As for the map itself: I like the physical terrain and the river layout. The text and borders... not so much. To me, the text seems overwhelmingly dark against the terrain. Maybe go with a lighter color - a brown or dark sepia or something? The borders seem harsh and pixellated. Instead of using a solid line, why not make it a dotted or dashed one? As Troedel said, you can adjust the spacing on the brush you're using. On the brushes palette, click on Brush Tip Shape, then look for the Spacing slider at the bottom. You can play around with it to get the spacing exactly how you want it.

Hi Diamond - thanks for the reply and the advice its much appreciated. I shall go and try it out and then I will re-post the map.

OK ive taken on board comments re borders and labels. Ive also changed some of the names to make them a little more appealing (to myself).

Next step is to start labelling the capitals and the large cities shown as dots on the map.

As always CC is much wanted and appreciated.

Looking good! You might want to lower the opacity on the borders a bit; they're a little overwhelming. Other than that, I'm really liking the way this is turning out!

Thanks Gidde for the advice. Ive lowered the opacity and your right it does look better. Once ive played around with names for the cities and towns im going to start looking at borders etc.

OK last post for the day. All advice taken on board and applied ! Ive also added names to the smaller towns and cities now as well. Next job is to add a map border etc which should be fun as ive never done that before using PS !

As always CC greatfully received.

Those borders look excellent, and I personally like the nation names appearance much better now; seems more integrated with the rest of the map.

But that red text for your city names... eurrgh. Very hard to read, especially in places where there are forests. I know there's a couple of Red Text Haters on this site , and I'm starting to believe they're right; red is extremely hard (at least for me) to use in map text and get looking good. You might try a slight outer glow on 'em and see if that makes 'em pop a little better, if your heart is set on keeping the red. Otherwise, I'd change color.

Very Nice. I'd agree with Diamond about the city text. Maybe try a black outer glow or stroke

Does this look better ?