how can I make the background color of a text box have 'alpha'

[TheeDragon]

i want to add text box on a layer that has a photo background

because adding text onto a photo is often too hard to read
but it would be GREAT if the background fill of the text box would be partially transparent
and allow the underlying image to bleed through
how ???

[TheeDragon]

ahaaa
just had an idea
used photo shop to layer in a faded overlay effect

extra work - has to be custom fit (ie better than in this photo)
so , still hoping for an idea from the 'team'

[franko]

Frankly - do it in photoshop and then use the combined image as the background for your text box.

[RayC]

It depends if the photo is intended to fill the entire text box or if it is a "global" background with text over top.

If the former, do what Franko suggested - combine your overlay with the image into a single image, or create a semi-transparent PNG of the image.

If the latter, create a small semi-transparent PNG for the overlay, and let it tile inside the text box so it adjusts to whatever size of text/table/region you want.

[TheeDragon]

create a small semi-transparent PNG for the overlay

sounds cool = not sure how to make that in PS - will play with that a bit and report back

[TheeDragon]

got it
GREAT tip (as always)

Thanks @!