How to give neon text effect in adobe illustrator


Adobe Illustrator is a powerful tool for graphic designers that offers endless possibilities for creating eye-catching effects. One popular effect is the neon text effect, which adds a vibrant glow to typography. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of creating a stunning neon text effect in Adobe Illustrator. Whether you want to design a striking logo, a captivating poster, or an attention-grabbing advertisement, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge and skills to achieve professional-looking neon text effects.


Before diving into the creation process, it's essential to set up your document properly. Follow these steps:

    Launch Adobe Illustrator and create a new document.
    Specify the dimensions and resolution suitable for your project.
    Choose the desired color mode (RGB for digital projects).
    Set the background color to black or any other dark color.


The next step involves creating the text that will be given the neon effect. Here's how to do it:

    Select the Type tool from the Tools panel and click on the document to create a text box.
    Type your desired text and choose a suitable font.
    Adjust the size and positioning of the text using the Character panel.
    Ensure that the text is legible and not too thin to work well with the neon effect.

Now, it's time to add the vibrant neon glow to the text. Follow these steps:

    Duplicate the text layer by selecting it and pressing Ctrl/Cmd + C, followed by Ctrl/Cmd + F.
    With the duplicated text selected, go to the Appearance panel (Window > Appearance).
    Click on the "Add New Effect" button at the bottom of the panel and select "Outer Glow."
    In the "Outer Glow Options" dialog box, choose a neon color for the glow (e.g., vibrant pink, electric blue).
    Adjust the opacity, size, and spread settings to achieve the desired glow effect.
    Experiment with blending modes to enhance the neon effect further.
    Click "OK" to apply the outer glow effect.

To make the neon effect more realistic and refined, follow these additional steps:

    Create a new layer below the text layers and name it "Background."
    Select the Rectangle tool from the Tools panel and draw a rectangle that covers the entire canvas.
    Set the fill color to black or any other dark color.
    Adjust the opacity of the "Background" layer to make the neon glow more pronounced.
    Experiment with adding additional effects, such as a subtle inner glow or a glow behind the text.
    Apply gradients to create a dynamic neon effect with varying intensities.
    Play with different blending modes to achieve interesting results.

Creating a neon text effect in Adobe Illustrator can elevate your designs, adding a visually striking and attention-grabbing element. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can unleash your creativity and produce impressive neon text effects. Remember to experiment with different color combinations, blending modes, and additional effects to achieve the desired outcome. With practice and experimentation, you'll be able to master this technique and incorporate it into various design projects, from logos and posters to advertisements and social media graphics. So, go ahead and let your imagination run wild as you create dazzling neon text effects that captivate your audience.