How can I convert a text layer with Faux Bold to a shape?

[Andrew B.]

Using Photoshp CS5 Extended and Windows 7 Home Premium. I  try to convert a text layer to a shape and I'm told it cannot, becasue I have a faux bold style. Thing is, I don't have it set to bold. I tried with Tahoma and Ariel. I tried  it as none, sharp, crisp, strong, and smooth. I checked other messages here about faux type probs, but no help.

[Andrew B.]

Sorry about it saying "Can" as the message title. I accidentally hit a key before I could  finish, and there is no way for me to fix it.

[PECourtejoie · Accepted solution]

Hello, I fixed the title.

The faux bold option is listed at the bottom of the character panel.

With the text tool active, double-click on the text layer thumbnail, then hit CTRL+T, this will pop up the character panel, the faux bold is the first button on the row of icons at the bottom of the panel.

You can also go to window >Character to open it, or click in the button on the option bar.

[Andrew B.]

You are right. And I don't remember ever pushing that button. But it was turned on.

[Isabelle06]

Almost 10 years later, you are a lifesaver!  Thank you so much!

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post a screenshot with the pertinent Panels visible?

In this case the Character Panel and with the whole text selected.

[stephanieo41827852]

Thank you so much this had my head wrecked but im happy now 🙂

[lauren_cheek]

What do you do if you want to keep the text bold, but still convert it into a shape for printing purposes?

[PECourtejoie]

Hello, the "faux" options are a leftover of older versions, and are useful when a font does not have all the alternate body strengths...

I'm afraid that you'd need to remove the faux option and edit the vectors, or do a round trip to Illustrator that might be better suited to perform such trick... (and kudos for using the search option that gave you this older thread!)

[chesca2020]

The font I am using has the faux bold grayed out but still says the layer is using a faux bold when I try to convert the text to a shape. 

Also, regarding the question above from Lauren_cheek, if you want to still keep it bold...what I've done is add a stroke from the Add Layer Style option at the bottom of the layers list.  PECourtejoie, do you think that is also a good work around?  Thanks. 

[diegotexera]

This little tip worked. Remove the Faux, add a 4px stroke outside and then convert to shape. The downside is that it rounds off the edges of your font a tiny tiny bit but that's not a bid deal.

[vanskii]

Thank you!!