How to Create Text Reflection in Inkscape

We have a great tutorial for you today on how to create text reflection in Inkscape. Text reflection simulates the effect of surface reflection using text. This is particularly useful across advertising and projects where you want the text to stand out.

To create our text reflection we will be using a bold display font called Bold Type. For this type of effect, look for a straightforward font. We have a brilliant collection of Modern Sans Serif fonts to choose from on Design Bundles.

If you’re not a Plus Member yet, we do have a free 30 day Gold Membership trial available. Why not give it a try?

Before we begin, make sure that you have installed your font to your PC or Mac.

Step 1 - Add and Edit the Text

Open Inkscape then click on the icon Create and edit text objects on the left side panel. Click anywhere on the document and begin typing. For a result with more impact, use caps for each letter.

Then, at the top left toolbar, you will find the Select Font Family box. You can type in the name of your font or click on the drop down menu. Choose your font to apply.

Text can be resized using the sizing handles. First, select the icon Select and transform objects (or the Move Tool) top left toolbar. Click on the text object then hold Ctrl and click + drag a corner handle in or out to resize.

Step 2 - Duplicate then Flip the Text

To create the reflection, we need to duplicate then flip the text.

Right click the text and select Duplicate. On the top toolbar, you will see little arrows. Click on the one that says Flip selected objects vertically. Now, hold Ctrl then click + drag the duplicate down.

Drag it down just below the original text object.

Step 3 - Add a Gradient to Text Object

Next, we added a linear gradient to the duplicated text object. We want the reflection to fade from the bottom of the text. So the gradient was drawn from the top down on the duplicate.

Adjust the gradient by clicking + dragging the top node up. This will extend the gradient and give a more faded look. We also adjusted the bottom node upwards.

Shift the duplicate reflection down a bit using the direction keys on your keyboard.

Step 4 - Complete the Text Reflection

We are just about done creating the text reflection in Inkscape.

Change the Text Color

Let’s change the color for both the text and gradient of the reflective text. First, select the top text object, then choose a color from the Color Palette. The Color Palette can be found at the bottom of the screen.

Change the top gradient color to the same color as the top text. In our case, this was pink. Make the bottom half of the gradient black. We will be adding a black background, so the bottom gradient will fade into it.

Add a Background

Add a background by going to the left side toolbar. Now click on the icon Create rectangles and squares. Next, click + drag out a rectangle to completely cover the both text objects.

Use the Color Palette to change the rectangle square to black.

Move Rectangle Down

Now, go to the top toolbar and click on the icon Lower selection to bottom (End). This will place the rectangle beneath the text objects.

You can edit the text reflection further until you are happy with the result. You can also group the objects to make them easier to work with.

Step 5 - Export Text Reflection

The final step is to export the image. You may want to export only the background and text. To do this, be sure to select all of the objects. Now, go to File > Export PNG Image. On the right hand side a new window will open.

The Selection tab should be highlighted. This means that only the selected items will be exported. Click on the Export As icon and choose a location to save to. Then, click on Export.

Here is our final result.

See how easy it was to create text reflection in Inkscape? Change it up by using contrasting colors and backgrounds. We hope that this tutorial inspires you to get creative with text in your projects.