word brush sets

[trlohara]

Can someone explain how brushes work with words? If I purchase a word set, do I have to use the same words that are already there or can I revise them with my own text? I'm confused! Thanks!

[sarahorton]

Brushes are the digital equivalent of a rubber stamp. When you purchase a title/word set and stamp with it, it will be an image - not a text layer.

You can alter the look by erasing parts of your stamped image or by adding words with a text layer, but you can't highlight it and change the text like a text layer.

Hope this helps

[trlohara]

a ha! Thank you! How are brushes typically used on text then?

[sarahorton]

Do you mean like adding flourishes around a title?
You could type out your title with the Type tool. Then add a new transparent layer either over or under your text. Use the brushes on the transparent layer to decorate your title.

If you want to use a brush to "grunge up" text, you just type your text with the Type tool. Then you'll need to simplify (PSE) or rasterize (PS) the text to make it behave more like an "image" (you won't be able to change it with the text tool.)
Then you can get the Eraser tool and select a grunge brush (like the Distressed Tool sets) and erase away parts of your text.
You can also add grunge to it by making a new layer and using the grunge brush with the Brush tool to add grungy effects.

I may have misunderstood your first question. I assumed you were asking about word brushes (title brushes) like this.
If you meant something like this, you could possibly clone out the existing word and add your own, but it could be very tricky to do.