In this tutorial, we’re going to create a metallic effect using layer styles and gradients that you can apply to different objects. We’ll put it on a nice background and create a style for lettering that makes it look like it’s embedded into the metal. You can download the sample PSD file from the link [...]

This tutorial is about making a textured red background and using Photoshop’s Shape Tool to add a design element. You can download the sample PSD file from the link at the bottom of the tutorial. Step 1: We begin with a blank canvas and then add a plain red background of color – #780000 Step [...]

This tutorial is about making a “mac” style background. You can use these in all sorts of situations, including the obvious –your desktop– as well as part of your designs or for corporate work (Powerpoint presentations, Flash work, etc). Naturally, you wouldn’t want to use this exact set of steps, but following them will give [...]

In this tutorial, we’re going to create some really sharp-looking glow effects using a combination of layer styles, the Pen Tool and Color Blending. The end effect is quite stunning and hopefully you’ll pick up some tips you didn’t know before. Step 1: As with pretty much every tutorial I’ve ever written, we begin with [...]

In this tutorial, we’re going to use some simple circles and gradients to make a cup of coffee viewed from above. The end result isn’t that useful, but the process is interesting nonetheless. Step 1: We begin with a nice pastelly-blue gradient. Note that with the gradient, I’ve put the lighter part in the top [...]

In this tutorial, we’re going to use the Path Tools in Photoshop to draw a shield-like shape. Then using some gradients, we’re going to give it a metallic edge and shiny center. I actually made this tutorial when making the default icons for some posts here on PSDtuts, so if you go to the main [...]

Some time ago I came up with a technique to in Photoshop. Although it was a simple and efficient way to achieve that sort of effect, people sent me emails asking how to customize it or that it wasn’t so easy to follow. In this tutorial we are going to show you how to easily [...]

There are many instances when you will want to simulate or mock up how a design would look printed out and photographed. It might be for a portfolio piece, it might be for a client to help them imagine a concept design, or it might just be for your own satisfaction at seeing how your [...]

In this tutorial, I will explain how to make a vinyl graphic. This tutorial will outline techniques to avoid choppy edges and create proper texturing and lighting.   Step 1. Let’s start out by creating a new file. I used a 300×300 pixel canvas set at 72dpi (regular settings), and I filled my background with [...]

Some months back before the latest iMacs were released, I was musing as to what a black iMac might look like. Being a Photoshopper, I decided to try making one. After posting it on a blog, the image went viral and started appearing on Mac and technology blogs and my site was inundated with traffic. [...]