To underline existing text in Photoshop CS5, select the Type tool (T), highlight the text you want to underline, open the Character panel with Window > Character, and click the Underline button (a T with a line under it). You can also press Ctrl + Shift + U (Command + Shift + U on Mac) while the text is selected. To underline everything in a text layer, select the layer in the Layers panel first instead of highlighting.
These steps also work in newer versions of Photoshop. Below you’ll learn how to control the underline’s color, thickness, and position, and how to remove it.
How to underline part of the text
- Press T to select the Horizontal Type tool.
- Click inside the text and drag to highlight the words you want to underline.
- Open Window > Character if the panel isn’t visible.
- Click the Underline button near the bottom of the panel.
- Click the check mark in the options bar, or press Ctrl + Enter, to commit the edit.
How to underline a whole text layer
- In the Layers panel, click the text layer (the one with a T icon) without entering edit mode.
- Click Underline in the Character panel.
How to remove an underline
Select the underlined text (or the text layer) and click the Underline button again, or press Ctrl + Shift + U.
Want more control over the line?
The built-in underline matches the text color and has a fixed thickness and position. For a custom look:
- Draw a line: Use the Line tool (grouped with the shape tools, press U), set the weight and color in the options bar, and hold Shift while dragging under the text.
- Use a rectangle: Draw a thin rectangle shape under the text for a thick, colored bar.
- Link them: Select the text and line layers and click the Link layers icon so they move together.
To paint or erase parts of letters, you will need to rasterize the text layer.
Troubleshooting
- The Underline button does nothing: Make sure text is highlighted or the text layer is selected, and that it isn’t a rasterized image of text.
- Text is rasterized: Rasterized text can’t be edited as type. Retype it, or draw a line under it.
- Can’t see the Character panel: Choose Window > Character, or reset the workspace with Window > Workspace > Reset Essentials.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the underline color?
The built-in underline uses the text color. For a different color, draw a line instead.
Is there a strikethrough option?
Yes. It’s the button next to Underline in the Character panel, or Ctrl + Shift + /.
Does underlining work on vertical text?
Yes. For vertical type, the Character panel menu offers options for placing the line on the left or right.
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