Nearly every designer loves freshly-made, free Photoshop brushes that can be used in your designs as it is one of the most widely used graphics programs on the market. It is what some would call an incontrovertible truth. This is the reason why designers are constantly browsing the web in search of all the latest brushes to add them to their arsenal.

We have previously posted many collections of high quality Photoshop brush packs, and today we are bringing our readers another fine collection of over 50 fresh Photoshop brush sets that are sure to delight even the most discerning of designers. These high quality brushes are simply out of this world, and are all free to download and use in your projects.

This round up includes 50+ packs containing more than 500 brushes of various styles and for a range of effects. With some grunge, light effects, ornamental, abstract, paint strokes, paper, and splatter type brushes, there is a little something for everyone. Enjoy!

Note: Licenses of every brush set varies, so be sure to check that information before using them.

Photoshop Brush Packs

Glowing Swirl Brushes ( Download )
This high quality set contains 8 high resolution brushes to add glowing swirl effects.

Free Faded Splatters ( Download )
This free brush set contains 10 faded ink splatters. Download and enjoy!

Grass and Plant SET 3 PS ( Download )
This set contains 10 top quality grass and plant based brushes.

Sujune Diablo ( Download )
Download this set of 9 brushes to give your designs a bit of a grunge and abstract look.

Stone Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 11 high resolution stone brushes for adding some natural grit and stone patterns.

Celestica Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 9 brushes that you can use to add crystalline patterns to your design.

Blow Brush PS ( Download )
If you are looking for some awesome blow brushes then this set of 4 unique brushes is simply a must have.

Ink Smear Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 5 brushes that were made by dipping a Q-Tip in red food coloring then simply “drawing” on a piece of paper with it. Each brush is 2500px wide. Enjoy!

Rough Background ( Download )
Incredibly useful grunge brushes that will fill up your backgrounds with a coarse texture.

Grunge Border PS Brush Set ( Download )
This set contains 11 free high resolution grunge borders. The grunge lines were created by rubbing a graphite stick over straight edges of different objects.

Bokeh Brushes ( Download )
With this set, you will get 8 high quality bokeh brushes.

Ornamental Butterflies 2 ( Download )
This is an awesome set of Photoshop brushes that contains 35 excellent and high resolution brushes that you can use to add beautiful butterflies to your designs.

PS Cloud Brushes ( Download )
This set that contains 12 brushes, you can use to create clouds in your designs with ease.

Antique Postcard Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 6 hi-res(2500px) antique postcard Photoshop Brushes. This can act as templates for your design or as a way to add some age and texture to your work.

Number of Water ( Download )
If you want to create numbers out of water, this set of brushes was made for you.

KaRTaL Butterfly Brushes ( Download )
Here you will find 3 brushes for CS5 that you can use to add beautiful butterflies to your works.

APs Brushes: Scar Face ( Download )
These 12 brushes will help you create scarred faces quite easily and in no time.

Abstract Brushes ( Download )
Fifteen medium to large scaled abstract brushes designed especially to add energy and interest to your artwork. A great tool for any abstract piece.

Plaztique’s Lace Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 5 pixel brushes perfect for creating lace trimmings or fancy borders.

Ink Splatter Brush Set ( Download )
In this brush set, you will find 20x Photoshop splatter brushes to create flawless splatter effects.

Fractal brushes ( Download )
This set contains 12 large fractal brushes that can be used for all kinds of web projects.

Swoosh Brush Pack v.1 ( Download )
We all know how hard it can be to create print worthy swooshes, well now with this set you can simply click and colorize.

Different By Design Abstract Brush Pack ( Download )
This set contains 6 simple and hi-res brushes. This is a freeware brush pack.

Love Birds Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 30 love birds brushes, they were created in Adobe Photoshop CS4 & Inkscape. They are free for personal & commercial use.

Snowflake Brushes ( Download )
This set contains twenty-four individual snowflakes, with four variations to each.

River Side Brushes ( Download )
This exclusive brush has been designed to be used in CS5 in order to add a beautiful river side effect.

Shoujo Wonderland Brushes ( Download )
This excellent set contains 24 Photoshop brushes that you can use wherever you want.

Subtle Wood Brushes ( Download )
This set contains five subtle woodgrain Photoshop brushes that can add some quick surface and texture to your designs. They offer some great attributes like knotholes and some different grain patterns. Each brush is 2500×2000.

Ink Splatter Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 5 hi res ink splatter brushes, each brush is 2500×2000.

Abstract Brush Set ( Download )
This set contains 2 exceptional abstract brushes that every designer must have.

Trend Element ( Download )
This awesome set contains 4 brushes to make your designs trendier and stylish.

Scratches Photoshop Brushes ( Download )
This set of Photoshop brushes contains 14 scratch patterns that you may prove to be just what you are looking for.

Crane Brushes ( Download )
These 2 brushes are perfect for adding some visually alluring effects to your designs and make them look more appealing.

Bokeh Brushes ( Download )
These 5 versatile and re-usable bokeh brushes will be a valued addition to your toolbox. Each brush is 2500px wide.

Melting Texture Border Brush ( Download )
This is a collection of 9 melting effects texture borders created in Photoshop CS3.

Thin Smoke Brushes ( Download )
Download this useful set of Photoshop brushes if you need some high quality thin smoke brushes.

Brick Photoshop Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 6 diverse and hi-res brick wall brushes. Each brush is 2500×2000.

Industrial Zone Grunge Brushes ( Download )
The set includes various industrial type brushes, from grunge/floor textures to gears, and from machines to industrial buildings.

Halftone Brushes Pack 2 ( Download )
Pack of 17 halftone Photoshop brushes free to download.

Psycho Grunge ( Download )
It contains 99 vector Photoshop brushes of 2500px resolution. Download for free.

Floral Fireworks ( Download )
In this set, you will find 2 brushes for PS to create stunning fireworks effects in your designs.

Grungy Arrow Brushes ( Download )
This pack contains 25 grungy arrow brushes made with Photoshop CS4. There are different types of arrow symbols so you can easily integrate them in your designs.

Free Falling Sparks Brush Set ( Download )
This free Photoshop brush set contains 10 falling sparks brushes. This set is great for creating abstract lighting.

Line Art ( Download )
This set contains 5 line art Photoshop brushes for adding artistic lines in your projects.

Concrete Wall Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 7 hi-res concrete brushes. Each brush is 2500×1800 and will add some instant grunge, texture, and atmosphere to your designs.

Star ( Download )
Download this brush set and start creating astonishing stars in no time.

Watercolor and Salt Photoshop Brush Set ( Download )
This brush set contains 10 watercolor splatters over salt. The salt soaks up the watercolor giving it an interesting texture.

Noise and Dust A Free Photoshop Brush Set ( Download )
An awesome brush set for adding a bit of dust and noise to your designs.

Ribbon Brushes ( Download )
Download 14 large ribbon brushes to add to your designing tools.

Lightning Brushes Photoshop ( Download )
Create awesome lightning effects in your designs with this outstanding set of Photoshop brushes that contains 19 variations.

Moon Brushes ( Download )
This set of brushes will allow you to create the different phases of the moon using the 10 different brushes it includes.

Cloud Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 10 high-resolution cloud brushes for Photoshop. Brush sizes range from 879px to 2295px.

Scratchy Grunge Brushes ( Download )
This set contains 7 scratchy grunge brushes, these brushes come from an interesting source, microscopic photos of some hand-scratched 35mm film.

(rb)

Noupe

  

The business card remains one of the most effective ways of promoting yourself and your brand offline. Business cards are regularly exchanged at conferences, expos, meetings, interviews and more. With so many printing services offering fantastic deals (large quantities of cards at low rates); it is a relatively irrelevant expense for those who truly want to network. Add to that the number of free business card templates available, and getting your business card design right is easier than ever.

Today we would like to show you 50 free Photoshop business card templates to help you design your perfect business card.

Photoshop Business Card Templates

1. Technix business card

2. GFX-Design

3. Free Business Card PSD v1

4. 5 Business Card Template Packs

5. Business Card template 1

6. Business Card Template

7. 4 More Salon Business Cards Photoshop Templates

8. corporate AND

9. corporate AND 2

10. A Business Card Template Pack

11. Exclusive business card

12. 2 Free Tech-Themed Photoshop Business Card Templates

13. Business Card

14. Splat Business Card with PSD

15. 4 Blue Personal Business Cards Templates

16. Black business card

17. 4 Elegant Wedding Business Card Templates in PSD

18. 4 Asian-Inspired Personal Business Cards Templates

19. Business card

20. Login Form Business Card

21. Business card

22. Business Card Template

23. Free Modern Business Card

24. Free Modern Business Card – II

25. Business card templates

26. Crispy business card

27. DS Free Business Card Print Template

28. deviant_ID Card Template

29. ‘Elegance’ Business Card PSD

30. Business Card PSD Template

31. Free Business Card PSD

32. Org Bookkeeper Business Card

33. Blue Business Card PSD

34. Seextwood business card

35. Clean Business Card PSD

36. Green Business Card PSD

37. Fashion business card

38. Present. of Businesses Suite

39. Free Minimal Business Card

40. Ideas free business card PSD

41. Psd Business Card Mock-Up Vol 1

42. Chromatic Blue Business Card

43. Free Business Card PSD v5

44. UpSide Business Card Free Psd

45. Free Colored Business Card PSD

46. Floral Business Card

47. Free Fresh Blue Business Card

48. Business Is Business Free PSD

49. PSD business card preview

50. Gold Business Card Free PSD

Do you know of any other great free Photoshop business templates? If so, please share the link in the comment area.

(rb)

Noupe

 



 

Creating a grid is typically one of the very first things you do when starting a design comp. After all, it provides the basic structure on which the rest of your design will lie. In this article, we’ll provide two different methods for efficiently establishing a grid. These methods enable you to quickly and smartly form a grid so that you can spend more time designing.

Method 1

The first method uses GuideGuide by Cameron McEfee to set up vertical columns. This Photoshop plugin is said to be in beta, but from my experience with it everything works perfectly well, and there is even talk of the release of GuideGuide 2, which will include more features. Instructions on installing it can be found on the GuideGuide page. There is also a video tutorial on using it that was put together by Russell Brown at Adobe.

Set Up Your Grid in 5 Seconds

1. Determine the margins, number of columns and gutter widths. Then click “Create Guides.”
2. If the canvas for your design comp is wide, do the quick math so that the margin lengths allow for the grid to be constrained to your 960 pixels. For example, if the canvas is 1200 pixels wide, then the left and right margins would be 120 pixels each.

An example of 12 columns with 20-pixel gutters and margins set to 120 pixels.

You can also set a baseline grid this way, but you’d end up with a lot of guides. A better option might be the method featured on a Method & Craft video by Mike Precious…

Method & Craft’s Extensible Baseline Grid

Here is a brief summary of the steps for setting up an extensible baseline grid.

1. Establish the grid’s baseline value, then create your pattern template. The baseline grid is determined by the leading (or line height) of the body text. For example, if the main body copy of your design is set in 13-point Helvetica, with the leading at 18 points, then you would set up an 18-pixel baseline grid.
2. Create a Photoshop file that is the height of your baseline grid, fill the bottom pixel, and leave the remaining pixels transparent. In this case, the dimensions of your canvas would be 1-pixel wide and 18-pixels tall.
3. “Select All,” and then save this as a new pattern. You can do this by going to Edit → Define Pattern…
   
4. Go to Adjustment Layer → Pattern, and select your newly created grid pattern.
   
5. Adjust the opacity as desired.

An example of method 1 with the columns and baseline grid together.

Advantages

• You get an optional baseline grid, which you can use independent of the vertical column grid. A baseline grid can create visual clutter when laid over top a design comp. With this method, it can just be toggled on when needed.
• If you prefer to use guides for your grid, this is the better solution.
• You can hide and show the grid through an easy shortcut.

Drawbacks

• Using vertical guides to mark other elements in the document can be difficult because you might confuse them with the grid.
• Compared to method 2, your options for the grid are not as specific or comprehensive (such as setting the height of the horizontal module).
• Grid lines are determined mathematically and won’t necessarily align with the pixel grid. This means that your guides could in some cases fall unevenly and end up being positioned down the middle of the actual pixels.
• This method requires two separate processes to create a vertical and baseline grid, compared to just the one method coming up.

Method 2

Modular Grid Pattern is an all-in-one grid solution. The tool creates a vertical columnar grid and a baseline grid all as one pattern. There are two ways to go about using Modular Grid Pattern:

Application Panel
In addition to Photoshop, this also works with Fireworks, GIMP and Microsoft Expression Design. Please note that you must have the latest software (Adobe CS5 or the equivalent of one of the other applications) and an Internet connection for this panel to work. That being said, if you have already created a pattern and saved it in your library, then you would be able to access it without needing anything else.

Web app
This works in Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera. The Web app enables you to create a grid pattern and download it straight from the browser in all formats.

Whichever way you choose, just pick a module width, gutter width and baseline number, and Modular Grid Pattern does the rest. You can also specify a height for the horizontal module.

Advantages

• This is a fast way to get it all; an all-in-one layer.
• You have the option to download a Photoshop pattern file, PNG or transparency mask.
• You can label the patterns and put them in a folder so that you can come back to the grid with virtually no set-up required at all.
• Frees your guide to be used for other purposes.
• You can specify a height for the vertical module to establish an overall vertical rhythm.
• The grid can be overlaid with varying degrees of opacity, so you can make it less distracting as you are designing.
• Supports applications other than Photoshop.

Drawbacks

• If your canvas is wide, then making the grid a pattern will make it extend across the entire page, which could be annoying and make it harder to see the boundaries of the content. This can be fixed in a couple of ways:
  1. Apply a layer mask to constrain the grid to just the main content area.
  2. Draw a rectangle the size of the main content area (for example, 960 × 1200 pixels), and apply the grid as a layer style, with the fill set to 0% in this case.
• This method forces you to choose a baseline grid, preventing you from just creating vertical columnar modules.
• It requires you to manually hide and show the grid layer, without the benefit of a keyboard shortcut.

Concluding Thoughts

We hope these methods will increase your efficiency and precision in establishing a grid. In the end, the way you set up the grid will depend on your workflow. Evaluate your needs, then choose the method best suited to them. Either method requires minimal set-up but can save much time and frustration.

Additional Resources

If neither method interests you, quite a few templates out there would also do the job. I recommend checking out Mindy Wagner’s layout template and Robbie Manson’s 960-pixel grid templates. Also, The Grid System links to a number of quality resources and tools.

(al)

© Steve Schoeffel for Smashing Magazine, 2011.

Smashing Magazine Feed

  

In today’s session, we are bringing a collection of some amazing and useful Photoshop resources that will help you in creating your own dulcet patterns in your designs. With Photoshop, designers can save themselves plenty of time and wind up with improved results by taking advantage of readily available freebies. Which is what brings us here today.

This is a round up of dozens of fresh and free Photoshop patterns. The resources featured here are all offered in downloadable PAT format that can be used in Photoshop. Here is the complete list. Enjoy!

Important: All patterns are free. Please read the license agreements carefully before using the patterns for commercial use, they can change from time to time.

The Patterns

Decorative Patterns
This is a set of 8 decorative patterns, included both the PAT file and the seamless JPG files.

Colour Pattern Pack
A pack of 8 jpegs and a PAT file for Photoshop containing beautiful colourful patterns.

Coffee Patterns
This set contains coffee patterns (vector .PSD and .PAT). A great addition to your collection of free vector patterns!

Animal Patterns
This set contains some awesome animal skin, fur and feathers patterns.

Clocks Pattern
This set contains clocks pattern (vector) made in Photoshop. This stylish clock photoshop pattern is available in PSD (vector shapes) and PAT file formats.

Besida’s Patterns 01
This set contains 24 beautiful patterns by Besida.

10 Seamless Plaid Patterns
The patterns are available in both Illustrator and Photoshop format and can be imported as a .PAT file in Photoshop or as an .AI file in Illustrator.

Colorful Rainbow Marble Patterns
It contains four colorful seamless patterns. Made in Photoshop CS5.

A Free Google Plus Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern
This is a simple great striped Photoshop and Illustrator pattern based on the Google Plus colours.

Hand Drawn Summer Petal Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern
A great hand drawn petal pattern available to be used within commercial and non commercial design projects. The pattern is free and available in two different colours which are black and white.

Colourful Abstract Geometric Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern
This colourful geometric pattern includes 6 different colour variations to be used in commercial and non commercial design projects.

3D Cube Patterns
A set of 8 high resolution Photoshop 3D cube based patterns. Feel free to use these as you want in personal and commercial projects.

Geometry Seamless Patterns
This set contains some seamless patterns absolutely for free. They can be a great addition to your beautiful designs and because they are all vector-shape layers, you can scale them as you’d like, and easily change their color.

100 Photoshop Zigzag Patterns
The download includes a PAT file with 100 zigzag pixel patterns with transparent background, vertical and horizontal.

Colorful Wooden Patterns
24 colorful wooden patterns, free for personal or commercial use.

WE LIKE STRIPED: 30 striped patterns
This set contains 30 free striped patterns. PAT file + gif images.

Photoshop Pattern for Packaging Designs: Abstract Circles
This set contains Photoshop patterns with abstract circles (.PAT file and photoshop vector pattern – circles shape layer in Photoshop). This free photoshop pattern is perfect for packaging designs – gift box & wrapping paper designs, book covers, tablecloth designs and much more.

Batik Overlay
This set contains 10 beautiful Batik Overlay patterns.

Photoshop Fabric Patterns: “My Favourite Socks” ))
This Photoshop fabric patterns set contains 7 knit fabric patterns in PAT file format. Download and use in your projects.

A Free Sunshine Cloud Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern
This is a great summer pattern. The set includes hand drawn sun and cloud vector elements combined together to create a great pattern.

Wooden Patterns
2 wooden patterns, free for personal or commercial use.

16 Abstract Pattern
This set contains 16 abstract patterns.

Black & White & Tiled All Over Patterns
This set contains simple black and white seamless tiles.

Deluxive Snow Flakes Tile Patterns
Set of 10 + bonus tile patterns for Photoshop and other applications. Image files included.

Photoshop: 14 High Resolution Geometric Pattern
Here is a set of 14 geometric patterns for Photoshop in high resolution. Modules with geometric shapes such as circles, triangles, squares, hexagons and the like.

Sea and Ocean Fish Vector Pattern
This set contains sea & ocean fish vector pattern (photoshop psd and pat files). This pattern will be a great addition to your collection of free Photoshop vector patterns.

Water Colour Pattern
The pattern is available in 2 different colours.

Starry Sky Photoshop Vector Pattern (PAT, PSD)
This set contains sky vector pattern for Photoshop with white stars and a transparent background, a valuable resource in your design tool box.

Free Dotted Photoshop Patterns
Nice pack of 29 dotted Photoshop patterns free to use.

22 Hexagon Photoshop Patterns (PAT)
Seamless hexagon photoshop patterns (or honeycomb patterns) with transparent background. There are 22 patterns in all in this PAT set, 11 white and 11 black ones. Enjoy!

15 Seamless Pixel Patterns
This set includes 15 seamless pixel patterns for creating visually subtle effects for your design backgrounds.

10 Tileable Photoshop Patterns
This set includes 10 tileable patterns for Photoshop. These patterns can help you enhance your design visuals. And of course they are quick and handy!

Summer Sunflower
This is a great sunflower pattern to be used in commercial and non commercial design projects.

A Great Simple Abstract Pattern
A great simple abstract Photoshop and Illustrator pattern. The pattern comes in two different colours to give you a few more options.

Simple Decorative Photoshop And Illustrator Pattern
A simple but decorative pattern. The pattern is available for Photoshop and Illustrator and in two different colours.

14 Abstract Patterns
This set contains 14 basic abstract patterns.

Abstract Squared Curved Photoshop And Vector Pattern
A cool abstract squared curved pattern which reminds one of a mosaic effect. This pattern is available in five different colours and alongside a Photoshop pattern file which can imported directly into Photoshop.

Beige Grunge Free Patterns
A set of 10 Photoshop seamless beige grunge patterns that you can be use for adding texture to your projects.

32 Photoshop Patterns: Subtle Pixels
This set contains 32 super subtle, Photoshop pixel patterns.

A Glossy Diamond
A glossy diamond Photoshop and Illustrator pattern. The pattern is also available in 2 different colours.

Tileable and Repeatable Pixel Perfect Patterns
A set of seamless and repeatable PSD pixel patterns. More than 60 patterns ready to use with a simple .PAT file. Just change the background color and you will have unlimited possibilities.

15 Abstract Patterns
A beautiful pack of 15 amazing abstract patterns.

Blue Stripes 1 Pattern Set
30 various stripe patterns with bluish gradients for Adobe Photoshop. Some stripes are horizontal, some are vertical, and some are at angles.

Gold Free Pattern
A wonderful set of six Photoshop patterns for your golden artworks, cards or websites. There is one Photoshop .pat file and six individual and seamless .jpg files. The patterns are made on PS CS5.

(rb)

Noupe

  

Layer Styles are nothing new. They’ve been used and abused again and again. Despite their ubiquity, or perhaps because of it, many designers do not yet realize the full potential of this handy menu. Its beauty lies in our ability to create an effect and then copy, modify, export, hide or trash it, without degrading the content of the layer.

Below we present, step by step, several practical techniques to help you refine your designs, increase productivity and reduce layer clutter. You will find more useful Photoshop techniques and tutorials in our hand-picked selection, Best of Photoshop on Smashing Magazine.

Download the source files (.zip, 1.6 Mb).

The Bump Map Effect

“Wait, what?” you exclaim, “There’s no bump map effect in the Layer Styles menu!” That’s true, but by combining Pattern Overlay and Bevel and Emboss, we can achieve a textured, bump-mapped surface with a controllable light source.

This technique requires two images: one for texture and color, and the other to serve as a depth map. The depth map needn’t have any hue because it determines depth based on a composite value, black being the lowest, white the highest. In some cases, you may be able to use the same image for both, but in our example we’ll use completely different ones.

Step by Step

1. We’ll start by creating our bump map pattern. Open the diamond-plate.psd file.
2. Inside you’ll find a number of white shapes on a black background. Create a pattern from this document: Select All (Cmd/Ctrl + A), then “Edit” → “Define Pattern.” Name it “diamond plate bump map” and click okay.

   
   Creating the diamond plate pattern.

3. Now, open the start.psd file.
4. Repeat step 2 to create a pattern from the “patchy gray” layer. This will be used later to add texture to our background.

   
   Defining the texture pattern.

5. After creating the pattern, delete the “patchy gray” layer. It’s no longer needed.
6. Use the Rectangular Shape tool to create a shape layer about 20 pixels wider and 20 pixels higher than the canvas. Change the color of this layer to a dark, brownish, chromatic gray.

   
   Creating the shape layer for our background.

7. Be sure that the shape layer doesn’t have any Layer Styles already applied to it (Photoshop will often apply the most recent Layer Style automatically). Then, begin the new Layer Style by adding a Pattern Overlay.

   
   Adding a Pattern Overlay effect.

8. Choose the “patchy gray” pattern from the pattern picker, and change the Blend Mode to Soft Light. This will add the texture to our background layer.

   
   
   Adding a pattern overlay effect.

9. Next, add a Bevel and Emboss, along with the Texture effect. This time, change the Texture effect’s Pattern to the “diamond plate bump map” pattern created in step 2. We now have a grungy diamond plate background.

   
   
   Applying the Bevel and Emboss texture effect.

10. As with most Layer Style effects, the default values are rarely ideal. By tweaking the Bevel Type and Size, Gloss Contour, Highlights, Shadows and Light settings you can achieve some dramatic results.

    
    
    Tweaking the Bevel and Emboss settings.

11. With a few extra effects, you can shape the background layer even more. The example has a Gradient Overlay to simulate reflected light by darkening certain regions of the image.

    
    
    Using the Gradient Overlay to darken some regions.

12. You may notice that the highlights from the Bevel and Emboss filter all seem to have the same value. This is because the Bevel and Emboss effects are very high on the Layer Style’s stacking order. To darken the highlights that lie outside our main light source, simply paint a Layer Mask using the Brush tool.

    
    Painting a mask to increase the appearance of light in the background.

We now have a textured, bump-mapped background that is completely dynamic; everything about it can be modified easily from within the Layer Styles menu. Consolidating complex imagery into one dynamic layer like this can reduce layer clutter dramatically and allows you (and whoever else may be using the file) to easily find and modify things. Now, let’s move on to creating our icon.

3-D Modeling

By combining some interior effects, we can use the Layer Styles menu to create simulated 3-D objects: great for icons, buttons and other interface objects. We’ll now model the base of the round icon in the example image using a single layer.

Step by Step

1. Begin by creating a circular shape layer with a rich red fill.

   
   Creating the shape layer for the icon’s base.

2. As is often the case when modeling a 3-D shape, let’s begin by adding a Gradient Overlay to our Layer Style. A white-to-black Radial-styled gradient set to Linear Burn works best for our implementation. Be sure the white area of the gradient is at the origin.

   
   Adding Gradient Overlay set to Linear Burn.

3. We now have a dramatically shaded sphere with a head-on light source. By decreasing the opacity of the gradient, we can flatten the shape to a more concave button.

   
   Reducing the Opacity for a subtler effect.

4. Let’s also move the direction of the light to the upper-left. While leaving the Layer Style menu open, move the mouse over the image itself (the Move Tool icon should appear). Simply click and drag the epicenter of the gradient to the upper-left of the shape layer.

   
   Repositioning the gradient within the Layer Styles menu.

5. While Bevel and Emboss may seem like more logical tools, you can often get a cleaner, more customizable beveled look by using a combination of other effects. First, add a black Inner Glow, set to Multiply. Adjust the Choke, Size, Opacity and Contour until you have a softened edge inside the shape.

   
   
   Adding a Glow to darken the edge of the base.

6. Like for any well-rendered spherical surface, we have to add some reflected light in our shadow region. This is easily achieved with the Inner Shadow effect. Change the color to white and the Blend Mode to Linear Dodge. Adjust the angle so that it appears in the lower-right of our shape. Tweak the Contour, Distance, Size and Opacity to create a subtler effect.

   
   
   Adding subtle reflected light using Inner Shadow.

7. To enhance the feeling that the shape is part of the document’s “environment,” we can add some effects to interact with the background. Drop Shadow is usually the easiest tool to use for this. Massage the settings until everything feels right.

   
   
   A simple Drop Shadow goes a long way.

8. Using the Outer Glow effect, we can simulate the reflected red light that our background image would absorb if this were an actual setting. Change the glow’s color to a darker red, and change the Blend Mode to darken. Again, work with the Size and Opacity settings to create the desired effect. This is one of those effects that, when used correctly, no one should notice because it just looks natural.

   
   
   A red Glow to add more “environment.”

Please notice that Layer Style gradients can’t be dithered, which can make them lower quality than their Gradient Layer and Gradient Tool counterparts (— Marc Edwards).

Diffuse vs. Specular Light

Now, our icon reflects a simulated diffuse light, which gives it the look of a matte-finished surface. If you prefer a glossier appearance, you can easily create a specular highlight using (what else?) Layer Styles.

Step by Step

1. Duplicate the current shape layer (Cmd/Ctrl + J).
2. Clear the new layer’s Layer Styles: right-click the layer in the Layers palette and select “Clear Layer Style.”
3. We also need to modify the shape of the layer to give the reflected light a sharper edge. Using the Direct Selection Tool (A), select the shape path in the layer’s vector mask. Copy it (Cmd/Ctrl + C) and paste it (Cmd/Ctrl + V) above the current path. Change this path’s mode to Subtract from shape area (-). Then move the shape down and to the right to create a crescent shape. You may also want to make the negative shape larger to create a more natural inside curve: simply Free Transform (Cmd/Ctrl + T) and then scale the shape up.

   
   Modifying the shape of the specular highlight.

4. Because we need this layer only for its Layer Styles, we can set its Fill Opacity to 0%.

   
   Dropping the layer’s fill to 0%.

5. We also want this layer to inherit the Layer Styles of the underlying layer, so create a Clipping Mask on the new layer (Cmd/Ctrl + Option + G).

   
   Creating a Clipping Mask to inherit effects.

6. Now, begin the Layer Style with a Gradient Overlay. Use the default black-to-white gradient, and set the Blend Mode to Screen. Knock the Opacity down to about 50%, and change the angle to about 115°. You may need to change the positioning of the gradient, which you can do by clicking and dragging inside the document window, just as you did in the 3-D modeling section.

   
   
   Setting the Gradient Overlay to Screen.

7. This is a good start for the highlight, but it still looks somewhat unnatural. Using a transparent inside stroke, we can shrink the perimeter of the interior effects. Add a Stroke effect to the layer and drop its opacity to 0%. Change the position to Inside, and work with the size slider until the highlight begins about where the darker inner glow ends on the underlying layer (the example image uses 5 pixels).

   
   
   Using a 0% Inside Stroke to shrink the perimeter of interior effects.

8. To add a more dynamic look to your highlight, you can add a white Inner Shadow set to Screen with a custom contour. Tweak the distance and size settings to finish off the effect.

   
   
   The Inner Shadow creates a more dynamic specular reflection.

X-Ray Vision

Step by Step

To create the die-cut type inside our icon, we could turn the text layer into a shape layer and use the paths to mask away areas from the base. However, this would result in degenerated content; we would no longer be able to modify the type. Instead, we’ll simulate a mask using the Knockout Blending Option. This will also allow us to apply custom effects to the cut-out area.

1. Create a new Type Layer with the text “fx”, and position it within the circular base. The example uses 120 point Garamond Bold Italic.
2. Drop the Fill Opacity to 100%.
3. Begin your Layer Style by adding an Inner Shadow. Increase the size, and increase the opacity to about 90%. You may also want to modify the distance and contour to your liking.

   
   The beginnings of the die-cut effect.

4. We now have the beginnings of a die-cut effect, except that the text still shows the base below it. To fix this, go to the Blending Options section in the Layer Styles menu. Change the Knockout from None to Shallow (this setting samples pixels from the layer directly beneath the current layer’s group). Because our text layer doesn’t belong to a layer group, it samples instead from the Background layer. (Using a Deep Knockout would always sample from the Background layer, regardless of the layer’s group.)

   
   
   Shallow Knockout samples pixels from the layer directly beneath the current layer’s group.

5. To get the text layer to sample from our diamond plate layer, start by clicking “Okay” to close the Layer Style menu. Select the text layer and both of the buttons that make up the base, and group the layers (Cmd/Ctrl + G). As you can see, the “fx” shapes are now drawing pixels from the textured layer directly below the new layer group.

   
   Grouping the icon so that the Knockout samples from the diamond plate layer.

6. The knockout effect is very convincing, but the type still feels detached from the base. Let’s add a beveled effect to simulate the surface quality of the base. Start by adding an outside Stroke with a size of 2; then drop the opacity to 0%. This doesn’t achieve anything but is necessary for the next step.
7. Now add a Bevel and Emboss effect. Change the Style to Stroke Emboss and Technique to Chisel Hard. This will apply the bevel’s lighting effects within the stroke area created in the step above. Modify the settings to achieve a subtle and smooth edge.

   
   
   Adding a Stroke Emboss.

8. Let’s take the bevel one step further by adding a thin specular highlight to the bottom-right edges of the shape. We can use a white Drop Shadow effect, set to Screen, to add a bright highlight just at the edge of the bevel. You’ll want to modify the distance and size to give the highlight a sharp edge.

   
   
   Adding a thin specular highlight using a Drop Shadow.

9. Finish off the Layer Style with more shading within the die-cut letters by adding a simple black-to-white Gradient Overlay, set to Multiply.

   
   Finishing off the die-cut.

Quick Tips

Despite frequent misuse, the Layer Styles menu really is a powerful tool that every designer should learn to work with. Not only does it provide a level of speed and control not easily found through other means, but it provides invaluable flexibility. Our example shows how a multi-dimensional icon and a completely dynamic background can be consolidated within four simple Shape layers, allowing them to be easily modified, reused and repurposed throughout your designs. Below are a few extra tips to remember when working on your next project.

Effects Stacking Order

You may have noticed sometimes that an effect isn’t visible when another effect is being used. For example, a Color Overlay seems to override a Gradient Overlay. This is because of the Layer Styles Stacking Order. Just as with the Layer’s Palette, one layer will cover another that is lower down in the stacking order. Unfortunately, the Layer Styles menu doesn’t allow you to rearrange the order of effects. One way around this (even if you sacrifice the ability to edit) is to use Create Layers, which turns all of your Layer Style effects into actual layers that you can move.

Interior Effects Stacking Order:

• Stroke
• Bevel and Emboss
• Inner Shadow
• Innger Glow
• Satin
• Color Overlay
• Gradient Overlay
• Pattern Overlay

Exterior Effects Stacking Order:

• Stroke
• Outer Glow
• Drop Shadow

Non-Color-Specific Styles

Though not always possible, you may want to use black, white and grays for your effects. Using monochromatic colors in conjunction with the proper Blend Mode allows you to create styles that are non-color-specific, meaning you can modify the color of the actual layer, and your Layer Style will update appropriately.

Scaling Effects

There may be times when you’ve created a Layer Style that looks great at the original size, but when the shape is increased or decreased, your beautiful style is destroyed. Fortunately, Photoshop provides a method to adjust styles that are out of whack. Simply choose Layer → Layer Style → Scale Effects, and then input the percentage you need.

Inconspicuous Menu Options

A number of hidden commands are available to you from within the Layer Styles menu. Depending on the effect, you will have access to either the Hand tool or the Move tool by simply mousing over the document window. The Hand tool allows you to move the document around just as you would outside the Layer Styles menu, and the Move tool repositions the current effect and updates the settings automatically. When using the Move tool, you can still access the Hand tool by holding the space bar. While using either of the tools, you can zoom in and out by holding Space + Cmd or Space + Option respectively. Don’t forget, as with most other menus in Photoshop, holding “Option” will change the “Cancel” button to a “Reset” button, allowing you to undo any changes.

Thanks to Marc Edwards and Ricardo Gimenes for their assistance in editing the article.

Related Posts

You will find more useful Photoshop techniques and tutorials in our hand-picked selection, Best of Photoshop on Smashing Magazine.

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© Thomas Giannattasio for Smashing Magazine, 2011.

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Photoshop is a wonderful tool that not only lets you create amazing graphics but also automate your work and improve your workflow. With Photoshop Actions, you can perform your repetitive tasks with a simple click that not only saves you time but helps improving your efficiency.

Photoshop actions allow you to record a sequence of commands and operations that you can set aside and can access afterward. They can also perform some extremely complex techniques with just a push of a button.

Here we have compiled a list of 80+ top-quality Photoshop actions to share with you, so you can expedite your design work. Before presenting our hand-picked collection of downloadable Photoshop Actions, however, we would like to offer a short explanation on how to install and create your own Photoshop Actions.

Creating Photoshop Actions

Creating Photoshop actions is very simple. All you need to do is open up the “Actions” palette and click the New Action button as seen in the picture below:

A new window pops up giving you different options for creating actions. Name the action and then place it in a set. For quick access, you can assign a shortcut to your action that will immediately activate it in Photoshop. This is a useful option to be used for those actions that you use with regularity.

Hitting the “Record” button allows you to record your desired actions by carrying out the necessary steps. The only thing that needs to be remembered here is selection sizes, saving and other specific steps will be duplicated precisely as you perform them in the action. So, you need to keep your steps as generic as possible so that they will work on the complete range of the images you want the action to apply to.

Once you’re done, hit the “Stop” button in the action menu. Your action has been recorded. Now you can hit the “Play” button if you want to perform the action on another file.

Installing Photoshop Actions

There are numbers of ways to install Photoshop actions. Dragging the downloaded actions into the ‘Actions” folder enclosed within the “Presets” folder in your Photoshop application folder is the easiest way. Note: you may need to restart Photoshop so that the installed actions can appear in the actions menu.

On the other hand, hit the little arrow on the right of the actions menu and then click the “Load Actions” option to quickly install the downloaded actions into the Photoshop.

Useful Photoshop Action Sets

Photoshop Actions – 4

Red Action

Action Contagious

Polaroid GENERATOR V1

Antique Action

Infection

Once Upon a Time – Vintage ATN

Magical effect 4.0

Toasted Photoshop Actions

Ghost Stories Photoshop Action

JJ’s Durazno-Melon Actions

LIGHT BULB

Action 01

Oldmatic Photoshop Action

Forest Action

Photoshop Action 15

Landscape Action

Photoshop Action: Foliage

Photoshop actions – 11

Polaroid Generator 2

Fearless Action

Photoshop Color Actions 2

Black white sepia PS action

Bright Eyes

Retro Action

Blue action

Photoshop Action: Diabolic

300 Action

Vintage Photoshop Action

sa-cool Action 2.02 Retro

Cool photo effect action

Thinking of you action

Action Set 1

set 28

Portrait Action

Coffee

Dazzle Effects

Action Set 07

Teeth Whitening Action

Black And White

Alibi

Summer Heat Action

Photoshop Action 25

Fairytale actions

24 Photoshop Actions

Not Like the Movies Action

Remember Me Action

Almost Exclusive Action

Vanilla Tones II Action

Cross-Processing ATN

FrostBite

16 yellow fog

Ghost Stories

HDR Tools

Darker effect 5.0

Action Liberty walk

10 dark vintage

Supernova Effect

The Photographer Photoshop Action

Photoshop Action 1

Create round photo stickers or add sticky tapes!

OUT OF BOUNDS Photoshop actions

Lomography Action

Blurred Frame Action

Soften skin effect

Crystal Ball Action

Old Parchment

Fun FX: Digital Corruption

Fun FX: Film Urban Blue

Magic Skin Action Set

FilmStrip Action!

2011 Calendar – Photoshop Action

Color Correction Action

InfraRed Photography Action

Action 008

Magical effect 4.2

Photoshop Action Variety

Crime Action

Unspoken action

Vintage action set 4

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Noupe Design Blog

  

Designers all over the world are on a constant search to find useful Photoshop brushes. This is because they know having a good collection of Photoshop brushes can save them in their time of need. Although there are countless brush sets are available for Adobe Photoshop that make finding Brush sets an easier task. But to find high quality brush sets, you have to browse through tons of web pages – a tedious task.

So, here we are showcasing a beautiful collection of 100+ high-quality Photoshop Brushes that every designer must have. Speak your mind… Tell us what you think about this post. Your comments are always more than welcome! Important: Licenses of every brush set varies, so be sure to check that information before using them.

Light Effect Photoshop Brush Sets

These particular types of brush sets let you add lighting effects to your designs such as streaks and flares. Light effect Photoshop brush sets are well suited for digital art manipulations.

Fantasy Lighting Brush Kit

Light Swirls Brushes

Galactic Brushes

Unreal Brushes

Nova Equinox Brushes

LIGHT III

Beser Brushes

Light Streaks Brushes

Vander90

Abstraction

Party Brushes

PETALS ADRIFT

Glow Brushes I

Abstract Photoshop Brush Sets

Designing abstract art is a demand of many clients because of its appeal and elegance. Creating Abstract art is no longer as difficult a task with this ultimate collection of Abstract Photoshop Brush Sets.

Volcanic

Motion

Paint Lines brushes

Sparklies Photoshop Brushes

8 Bit Brushes

Fake Glitter

5 Abstract Brushes

Fortune Brushes

Absbrushes

Descent Brushes

Darius Brushes

9 Fire brushes

Smoke Brush Set

Crystalline

Dreamon Shape Brushes

Doom Abstract Brush Set

Curvy Lines

28 Basic Chaos Brushes

10 Lost Textures

Grunge Photoshop Brush Sets

One of the most useful types of Photoshop brushes these days is Grunge Photoshop brushes. These are the most useful brush sets when it comes to creating textured and decaying effects.

Grunge brushes 04

Seu Davi Grunge-Rust Brush

Part-liquid

Grunge Brushes

41 Grunge Brushes

Rusty grunge 2

Plastered Prime

Textures 2

Old Grunge Photoshop Brushes

Flow&Dirty

Grunge Lines Brushes Part.3

Tank Pattern

Grungy arrow

Grunge Up In The Woods Papers

Chalk AdobePhotoshopCS Brushes

8 Cracks Photoshop Brushes

Spray Paint Brushes

Drawings Photoshop Brush Sets

Now you can create drawings and simple illustrations with the simple click to install these breathtaking drawing Photoshop brush sets. Some of these brush sets give your design the look of a real drawing.

Funky Paisley Brushes

Blood Marks brushes

Paint Strokes

Real Brush Strokes

Paint Trails brushes

Foliage Brush Set

Paint markers brush set

Spring Flower Brushes

15 drawn flower brushes

PLeaves and Trees Brushes

Wood Series Vol. 2 Tennessee Leaves

Skin and Cosmetic

Smudge brush set

BK Ink Strokes Brushes

Fractal Photoshop Brush Sets

Seasoned designers may find this particular collection of Photoshop brush sets extremely valuable because it help them with creating beautiful fractal based graphics in Adobe Photoshop with ease.

Radiant Brush Set

Kaleidoscope

10 Photoshop Fractal Brushes

3D Fractals

kaleidoscope

Fractal Web

Fine Wisps

Spiro Flowers 2

Twisted Bars

Fractal Chaos

Fractal Bars 1

Fractal Symphony

Fractal 2 brushes

Fractal Brushes Set

Fractal brush

Fractal Brush Set

Fractal Brush

Natures Photoshop Brush Sets

Bringing nature to your design is an easier said than done job, but with the help of the appropriate brush set, a designer can easily bring this natural life in to their design. Here is an amazing collection of Natures Photoshop Brush sets for you.

Vector Foliage-Plants Brushes

Floral Photoshop Brushes

Fall Leaves

Floral ornaments

The Grasslands

Trees

Liquid Ripple

Nature Spatter

Trees

Grass Strips

5 New Bird Brushes

Ground Plants Selection

Tree Brushes Pack

Wing Brush Set

Photoshop Floral Brushes

Clouds Mist

Mountain Brushes

Water Photoshop Brushes

Waterfalls

Miscellaneous Photoshop Brush Sets

This is an incredible collection of miscellaneous Photoshop brush sets that contain almost everything a designer may need. Have a look at this collection, you will definitely find something of your interest.

Human Skin Brushes

Ps Brushes Halftones 2

Photoshop sun brushes

Unique Borders

Snow Prints

Jelena’s Animal and Bird Trail Brushes

Omega Brush Set

Seishido Footsteps Brushes

Soft Furry Watercolor Brushes

High Res Blueprint and Schematic

Rim Brushes

Skyline

Assorted Maps

Spirals and halftones

Electric Pylon

Kiss and Tell

Coffee Cup Circles Brushes

Futuristic

Cherry Bomb Brushes

Abstract Smudges

Consider Our Previous Posts:

• High Quality Photoshop Brushes, Resources and Tutorials
  A marvelous set of more than 45 high quality Photoshop brushes along with some great tutorials to offer an assortment of techniques for making your next brush set.
• 80 All-You-Need Photoshop Brushes
  In this post, you will find an assortment of top-notch tutorials, brushes, patterns, textures and .PSD downloadable files that others have freely contributed to the design community for making your next photoshop effect.
• 1000+ Free High Resolution Photoshop Brush Sets
  In this Article you will find 1000+ high-Resolution Adobe Photoshop brush sets that will be perfect for any project you may happen to be working on.
• 18 Absolutely Stylish Designs Using Photoshop Brushes and How to’s
  18 amazingly designed websites that feature a good use of Photoshop brushes or elements that also come in the form of Photoshop brushes.

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Noupe Design Blog

  

An attractive and compelling background adds depth to your graphics, banners or ads; and for this reason is of great importance. Sure there are some people who might not notice backgrounds, but the role they play in making the entire artwork look more interesting and visually alluring is paramount. They really do help to tie the entire piece together, no matter how simply or aggressively they are employed.

Here, we are showcasing some of the web’s truly amazing Abstract Background Design Photoshop Tutorials for our readers. Be you a PS enthusiast or junkie, you will surely want to take a look at the offerings we have compiled. Feel free to share your opinion with us.

Abstract Backgrounds Tutorials

Abstract Kaleidoscope Poster – Photoshop CS5
This tutorial lets you learn how to create an attention-grabbing kaleidoscope type poster in Photoshop CS5 by combining basic colors, shapes and brushes. A layered PSD file is included.

Abstract Starfield Background – Photoshop CS5
In this tutorial you will learn how to create a tremendous space scene in Photoshop CS5 by mixing different shapes, brushes and blending modes. A layered PSD file is included to help you get started!

Create Abstract Valentine’s Day Card
In this tutorial you will learn how to craft a vibrant Valentine’s Day card befitting of the day, by means of basic shapes and gradients in Adobe Photoshop CS5.

Create Awesome Abstract Nebula Circle Shape in Photoshop
Here the artist will take you through the steps he took to create this stunning abstract design. This is an intermediate level tutorial so proceed with care and be prepared.

Create Artistic Abstract Shapes via the Powerful Warp Tool in Photoshop
This tutorial shows you how to bring warp tool plus into play to generate great looking abstract shapes to beautify your design. The steps are truly simple and the effect can be used in a wide range of occasions.

Easily create planetary ring via cloud and twirl filter in photoshop.
In this tutorial, using the cloud and twirl tools you will be able to easily create a planetary ring no galaxy would be complete without.

Create Simple Abstract Shining Wave Line
Want to get trained on how to recreate this simple yet alluring abstract background? Simply follow this helpful tut.

Create a Detailed Meteorite and Surrounding Space Environment in Photoshop
In this intermediate level tutorial, the artist will show you the steps he took to create this detailed meteorite and surrounding space environment in photoshop. Some steps can be bit trickey, but the payoff is worthwhile.

Chroma Wallpapers
In this tutorial you will learn how to create a great abstract work of art combining a 3D-looking base with some various added effects.

Create a Wavy Blackberry Style Wallpaper Design
Here, Fabio Sasso teaches you how to create an abstract background image using Photoshop alone to give a cool wavy pattern with some eye-catching lighting effects to your work.

Abstract Lines Background
This tutorial guides you step by step on how to create an abstract lines background in Photoshop. This one is a must!

Calculations And Colorization
This Photoshop tutorial shows the creation of an Alpha Channel by means of the calculations dialog that will create a truly amazing abstract colorized photo effect.

Creating the new retro
Learn to give retro-style graphics your individual modern-day spin with this tutorial shared by Graphic designer, James White.

Drawing an Abstract Lightbulb
In this tutorial, you will learn a couple of techniques that include glows using layer styles, stroking path, particles using brush dynamics, and bokeh effects.

Abstract lighting effects
This tutorial guides you through creating some lighting effects with colorful wave elements by using Photoshop CS4. You can achieve the same results even if you have other versions of the program.

Space Lighting Effects in 10 Steps
Here, the artist is showing you how to quickly give life to a space scene with some pleasant lighting effects.

How to Create Brilliant Light Streaks in Photoshop
This tutorial will teach you some simple techniques for creating dazzling light streaks which can be utilized in different manners to add movement and brightness to your designs.

Create Abstract Colorful Balls illustration in Photoshop CS5
This drawing tutorial takes you through the formation of this abstract multicolored illustration with the use of simple tools and techniques like the Ellipse Tool, Brush Tool, Gradient Tool, Layer Style, etc. in CS5.

Create Abstract Background with Bokeh effect
Generate an abstract and vibrantly rich background with bokeh effects via Photoshop’s drawing tools, blending modes, and lighting techniques.

Luminescent Lines
A simple yet very powerful technique to create an abstract wallpaper or image that looks simply stunning and stylish.

Abstract Background of Colored Bars
An easy to follow and understand tutorial on how to design abstract backgrounds, wallpapers, greeting cards, designs, and all that other good stuff.

Abstract Image
Craft a fine-looking and amazing effect with just a few simple steps.

Cool abstract background
Here, the artist takes you through the steps employed to design abstract backgrounds from bubbles and waves using Photoshop.

Easy Abstract Photoshop Tutorial
Use a few brushes and effects to create a very simple abstract shape via the guiding hands of this tutorial.

Intense Solar Flare (Filter) Effect
In this tutorial you will learn how to create an outstanding abstract background using this intense solar flare effect.

Create a fantastic background texture
This tutorial lets you learn how to produce a fantastic background texture that you can customize for your own projects and purposes.

Abstract Airbrushing
In this tutorial you will learn how to create attractive abstract bursts of light for your renders.

Windows Vista Aurora Effect
A Photoshop tutorial which covers creating a Vista like background with aurora type effects.

Wallpaper Effect
This tutorial walks you through creating a warped effect that you can use to create artistic and profressional backgrounds and wallpapers.

TRENDY BACKGROUND
Simple technique by brush strokes for the creation of some fashionable backgrounds.

Digital Star Effect
In this tutorial you will learn how to give your work an effect reminiscent of shimmering sequins.

Mac-type background
This tutorial is focused on the subject of making a “mac” style background.

Signature Backgrounds
In this tutorial you will be taught how to create a nice abstract background that you are sure to become known for using.

Colourful Swirl
In this tutorial you will learn how to create a colorful swirl by using Adobe Photoshop.

Colorful Tornado
In this tutorial, you are being shown how to build a fine-looking vibrant tornado or pinwheel styled design in Photoshop.

Abstract Artsy Background
Here, you will learn how to create amazing abstract artsy backgrounds for any of your design works.

How to create abstract colorful rainbow background
Learn how to use Photoshop’s simple shapes, layer styles and gradients to generate a pleasant abstract rainbow background.

Aurora Borealis – North-South Polar Lights
In this tutorial, the artist is showing how you can recreate an Aurora Borealis type background by using Photoshop only.

Design Eye-catching Laser Particle Abstract Effect in Photoshop
Learn how easy it is in Photoshop to create these attention-grabbing laser particle effects. This is a beginner guide with simple and easy steps to follow.

Hexagon Bokeh Effect in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you will learn how to craft a digital bokeh effect using hexagons. Brush engine, patterns, blend modes and basic filters are used to accomplish this effect.

Creating Smoke
Learn to create a beautiful smoky effect for your designs by using Photoshop with the help of this tutorial.

Create a Rather Interesting, Wavy and Curving Abstract Shape Effect in Photoshop
This tutorial walks you through the formation of this somewhat appealing and colorful shape. A very detailed tutorial with large numbers of helpful screenshots.

Create beautiful hair-like abstract lines to decorate your design in photoshop.
Create stunning hair like line work and beautify your design with this easy to follow tutorial. This is novice level tutorial with the intention of teaching how to utilize the pen tool and dynamic brush setting.

Create Simple, Yet Elegant Abstract Spectrum Lines
Learn step by step how the artist has created this simple yet appealing abstract spectrum of lines that can be used for a wide range of purposes.

Create a Futuristic Abstract Wallpaper
Learn how to use various filters in PS to generate a wallpaper with a futuristic feel.

Creating a Stunning Digital Smoke Effect
This tutorial teaches you how to effortlessly create digital abstract smoke by means of both Illustrator and Photoshop. This technique is incredibly customizable and you can do it pretty swiftly.

How to Create an Interplay of Abstract Light Streaks
A detailed tutorial that will guide you through generating an series of abstract light streaks.

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Noupe Design Blog

  

When creating Web and app interfaces, most designers slave over every single pixel, making sure it’s got exactly the right color, texture and position. If you’re not careful, though, some common functions like moving, rotating and pasting can undo your hard work, resulting in a blurry mess. But with some small changes to your workflow, you should be able to maintain the highest-quality artwork from the start to the end of the project.

Pixel-Perfect Rotation

If you’re not careful, rotating layers in Photoshop can damage them in a very noticeable, pixel-mashing way.

When rotating layers with Free Transform (and some other tools) to exactly 90 or 270°, the quality of the outcome is determined by the layer’s size. If the layer is of an even width and even height, then you’ll be fine. If it’s of an odd width and odd height, you’ll also be okay. But if they’re of an odd width by even height or even width by odd height, then you’ll see something like the result below:

In this case, the artwork is 20 × 9 pixels: even-by-odd dimensions. The results for bitmap layers and vector layers are different, but they both produce unusable results because the origin of rotation doesn’t fall on an exact pixel boundary.

A Fix

Because even-by-odd or odd-by-even dimensions are the problem, we need a way to ensure that the contents of the layer are odd-by-odd or even-by-even. Probably any method you can think of will solve this problem, be it adding a square bitmap mask to a layer or adding more content to the layer that you’re rotating. You could also draw a square on another layer and rotate both at once.

As long as the dimensions for the layer or layers are even-by-even or odd-by-odd, it’ll be fine.

An Easier Fix

Changing the origin of rotation to the top left (or any other corner) will ensure it is on a pixel boundary, guaranteeing perfect results every time. To do this, click on a corner origin after selecting the Free Transform tool, but before rotating. This works brilliantly and is the simplest solution yet.

Bitmap and vector masks are affected by this issue as well, so please take care. But the issue affects only rotated layers, either via “Free Transform” or “Transform” under the Edit menu. Rotating the entire canvas via Image → Image Rotation has no problem.

To make things even easier, I’ve created some Photoshop Actions and Workflows that take care of everything for you.

Pixel-Perfect Vector Pasting

If you’ve drawn pixel-snapped artwork in Illustrator and pasted it into Photoshop as a shape layer, you may have noticed that the result is not quite what you expect (i.e. a perfectly sharp image), but rather a blurry mess. Here’s how to fix that.

Below is some artwork as it appears in Illustrator: perfectly formed, snapped to the pixel grid, and at the size we intend to use it in Photoshop.

Below are the same paths pasted into Photoshop a few times. Notice how only the top-left version is sharp, while the others are half a pixel out on the x axis, y axis or both.

What Went Wrong?

Photoshop’s pasting behavior works in one of two ways. If you’ve made a selection, then the clipboard’s contents are pasted so that the center of the clipboard is aligned with the center of the selection. If a selection hasn’t been made, then the contents are pasted so that the center of the clipboard aligns with the center of your current view. The level you’re zoomed into and the portion of the document you’re viewing determines the result.

A Fix

Our test artwork is 32 pixels wide by 12 pixels high. Drawing a 32 × 12 marquee selection in Photoshop forces the artwork to land exactly where we want it and to be pixel-aligned. This works every single time.

An Easier Fix

The marquee doesn’t have to be the exact size of your artwork, though. In our case, a 2 × 2-pixel selection would work just as well, because the center of an even-width-and-height marquee selection and the center of even-width-and-height clipboard contents would fall exactly on a pixel boundary, which is what we want. If the artwork was an odd width and height, then a 1 × 1 selection would have been required.

If you couldn’t be bothered noting your artwork’s dimensions, then by drawing an appropriately sized marquee, you can draw a 2 × 2-pixel selection and paste. If the image is blurry on the x axis only, make the selection 1 × 2 and paste again. If the image is blurry on the y axis only, make the selection 2 × 1 and paste again. If the image is blurry on both axes, make the selection 1 × 1 and paste again.

It may sound complex, but in practice it’s very quick; you’ll only ever have to paste twice to get sharp vector paths from Illustrator.

Smart Objects

Pasting elements as smart objects doesn’t come with the same issue (at least not in Photoshop CS5 anyway). I like to use Shape layers, though: they allow more control and editability and have better anti-aliasing.

Pixel-Perfect Vector Nudging

When nudging vector points, Photoshop exhibits some strange behavior, related to how far you’re zoomed in. At 100%, nudging with the arrow keys will move your vector point exactly 1 pixel. At 200%, nudging moves the point by half a pixel. At 300%, it moves by a third of a pixel.

The behavior seems intentional, but it’s not usually what I’m after. Most of the time, I want to nudge in whole pixel increments. Here’s how you can do that, without zooming out to 100%.

Open your document, and then create a second window by going to Window → Arrange → New Window. You can then resize the new window and place it out of the way.

Large view

Edit in the other window as normal, zooming in as far as you’d like. You’ll now be able to press Command + ` to switch back to the window that’s zoomed to 100%, nudge using the arrow keys, and then press Command + ` to switch back again. Because the other window is zoomed to 100%, nudging will move the selected vector points exactly 1 pixel.

Large view

Please note that holding Shift while using the arrow keys to nudge always moves by 10 pixels, no matter how far in you’re zoomed. Also, dragging points with the mouse will snap to pixels in most situations — most, but not all.

While not perfect, this technique does remove some of the frustration with editing detailed vector paths in Photoshop. Or maybe it’s just another reason why complex shapes should be drawn in Illustrator first, and then pasted as shape layers?

Take Charge Of Your Pixels

Using the correct techniques, it should be easy to place pixels exactly where you want. Remember, you’re the one in charge. Demand that they fall in line. Accept nothing less than pixel perfection.

Would you like to know more about a particular technique or Photoshop feature? Please let us know in the comments.

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© Marc Edwards for Smashing Magazine, 2011. | Permalink | Post a comment | Smashing Shop | Smashing Network | About Us
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Photoshop is an amazing tool in the hands of Designers. There are numerous tutorials which shows you all tips and tricks to conquer Photoshop. Reading tutorials can be little irksome at times when you don’t want to spend hours and hours on long written steps. Why not try these Video tutorials which give you amazing amusement while learning. Check out these 30 tutorials which will leave you raving about it. So learn while you play (these videos).

Photoshopping a Heroes Style Eclipse
In this tutorial you will create a Solar eclipse in Retro style.

Your First Rendezvous With Photoshop
This Photoshop tutorial is for beginners and the tips and tricks mentioned here will give you insight about Photoshop.

Photoshopping Neon Text
Check out this tutorial to know how you can apply neon effect through Photoshop.

Old Photo Repair
Photo Restoration is a useful feature we can do in Photoshop and keep our memories safe.

Photoshoping a Print Ad From Start to Finish
This one is an advanced level tutorial which gives you insight of how to make a Print Ad in Photoshop.

Galactic Scene – Photoshop CS5 Tutorial
Watch this tutorial to learn how to create a Galactic Scene in Photoshop. This is an advance level tutorial.

Retro Text Effect
create a retro text effect through this tutorial.

How to Crop an Image
This is a quick tutorial wherein you will learn how to crop an image from different angles.

Vampire – Angelina Jolie
Watch out this video tutorial to know how to convert beautiful Angelina Jolie in to a blood sucking vampire.

Facebook Banners
Watch this tutorial to learn how you can make Facebook Banner through Photoshop.

What is a Clipping Mask Then?
This Photoshop tutorial is for beginners and author will explain you about Clipping Mask.

Photoshopping Digital Bokeh
Check out how to get magnificant results in Photoshop by creating Digital Bokeh.

Changing Eye Color – Adobe Photoshop CS5
Check out this tutorial for explaining how to change someone s eye color.

Radial Blur Using Photoshop
This tutorial deals with creating a Radial Blur in Photoshop.

Photoshopping Scrapbooks
We know Scrapbooks are not scrap but a place to memorize your memorize. Check out how to create onein Photoshop.

Creative Effects–Making an image sepia toned
learn how to create a vintage-style photograph, use infrared and solarization, apply creative layer blending, etc.

Photoshop CS5 Tutorial – Removing acne, pimples, and blemishes
Removing acne, pimples, and blemishes is so easy with Photoshop CS5. Check out this video to know more.

Correcting Exposure, Dynamic & Color in Photoshop
Check out this tutoral on changing exposure & color in Photoshop.

Tutorial Photoshop CS5 – Rain effect
Check out how to create a Rain effect in a landscape.

How to Combine 2 Images Seamlessly in Photoshop
Learn how transform two Images Seamlessly.

Photoshop CS5: Puppet Warp
Want to warp or manipulate your objects easily with the new Puppet Warp. Check out this Photoshop CS5 Video Tutorial.

Photoshop Quick Tips: Light Leaks in Photography
In this video you wll learn the process to create vintage style light leaks in Photoshop.

How to Photoshop Tilt Shift
If you are aware of Tilt Shift Photography, then you will like to check this video on How to Photoshop Tilt Shift.

Photoshop and The Alt Key
Check this video to know how important is using the Alt key in Photoshop. It saves your time and effort.

Advanced Brush Techniques
Check out some Photoshop Advanced Brush Techniques in this tutorial.

Creating a Realistic Drop-Shadow using Photoshop
Check out this tutorial for creating a realistic drop-shadow using Photoshop

Photoshop CS5 – Abstract Floral Manipulation
Learn how to create a abstract floral manipulation through this tutorial.

How to Photoshop a Person Into a Picture [In-Depth]
Every now and then we use editing techniques in Photoshop. Check out this videofor step-by-step directions to edit a person into a photo.

How to Use the Healing Brush and Patch Tool
Learn how you can use the healing brush and patch tool in photoshop.

Create and Then Shatter a Grid, while Making a Typographic Poster
Create a dark and grungy Typographic Poster using Photoshop and Illustrator.

Photo Enhancement in LAB
Check out how to work in the Lab color mode to enhance your photos in contrast and color balance using simple curves adjustments.

Photoshop ‘Triage’ with Rich Harrington
In this Photoshop ‘Triage’ video go through this work flow takes an image and makes it ‘pop’.

How to Add a Background Texture to a Portrait
Check out how to get a grunge look by adding a background texture to a portrait.

Design a Shiny Bass Guitar Illustration Using Photoshop
Check out how you can make a Guitar Illustration in Photoshop.

Zombie makeover
Learn howyou can create a good looking Man in to a Zombie.

Add Dramatic Color to Photographs
Learn how you can give amazing effects to simple looking images.

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