View
9
Download
0
Category
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
Advanced Glow Effects in Photoshop
Citation preview
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
All Topics Find tutorials, courses, and more...
Design & Illustration Expert HelpCategories Learning Guides New!
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 a radial gradient.
EFFECTS
Advanced Glow Effectsby Collis Ta'eed 15 Sep 2007 1127 Comments
41 7 41
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
This one is pretty harsh and goes from a reddish brown color to black. Here are the
exact color codes:
Foreground color - #922f00
Background color - #000000
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 2:
In this tutorial, we actually need a pretty intense center, so what we'll do is duplicate
the layer we just made and set the one above to a blending mode of Color Dodge.
There are a few types of blending modes, darkening ones, lightening ones,
colorizing ones and inverting ones. Color Dodge is probably the strongest of the
lightening ones. As you can see in the screenshot, it produces a pretty full-on
center.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 3:
Now in our glow effect, it helps to have a nice textured background. So we are
going to create a sort of smoky haze. To do this, create a new layer, then make
sure you have white, #ffffff, and black, #000000, selected as your background and
foreground colors.
Then go to Filter > Render > Clouds. This will give you the same random cloud
pattern as above.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 4:
Now set the opacity of your layer to Overlay and 30% transparency. In some
instances this would be enough, but for our needs we want it even smokier looking!
So go to Filter > Sketch > Chrome and use default settings of 4 and 7 for detail and
smoothness respectively. Actually you can probably mess around with those if you
want, but the defaults seem to be fine.
When you're done, the result should look a lot smokier (once its overlayed at 30%
transparency that is). You can see the result in the background of the next
screenshot.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 5:
Now before we can start making glows, we need to have something to glow. Here's
where we break out the pen tool. If you have used the pen tool much I suggest
playing around with it a little. There are some tricky things you can do with
shortcuts, but for this tutorial you don't need those.
In fact all we want to achieve are some nice curves. Fortunately this isn't too hard. I
find the trick is not to use too many points. Instead rely on the Pen Tool's natural
curving and drag the mouse out for each point so you get a big angle. In this S-
curve shown above, I've only used three points, the starting point, the end point and
one in between to give it the bend.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 6:
Once you have a nice curve, create a new layer. Then click on the Paintbrush Tool
(B) and choose a very thin, hard brush. As you know, soft brushes are the blurry
ones and hard brushes are more solid. In this case I suggest using a thickness of 3.
Note that you can have any color selected as your brush color because we'll go
over it with a layer style shortly.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 7:
Now switch back to the Pen Tool. You must switch tools in order to do this next bit.
Then right-click and select Stroke Path. A little dialog box will appear as in the
screenshot. Choose Brush and make sure there is a tick next to Simulate Pressure.
This is important as it will give your curve tapered ends which will make it rock!
Next right click again and select Delete Path.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 8:
You should now have something like the above. Just a thin, cool swishy thing.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 9:
Now we add some glows. The easiest way to make our glows is to use layer styles.
And the best way to tell you what layer styles to use is to tell you to download the
sample Photoshop PSD from the bottom of this page and then open it up and look
through them there.
In a nutshell, I've added two sets of glows. To do this I first use Outer Glow and
then because I want a second glow, I change the Drop Shadow settings so that it
becomes a glow (you can do this by reducing the Distance and changing the blend
mode to something like Color Dodge)
Oh and also I've used a Color Overlay to make the item white so that its like the
center of an intense glow.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 10:
So now you have the same line but with a cool glow coming off it. The beauty of
using a layer style is that you can copy and paste it to other layers. To do this you
just right-click the layer and select Copy Layer Style then create a new layer and
right-click and choose Paste Layer Style.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 11:
So now repeat the same process a couple of times to make more squiggly lines.
In this instance, I made one a little thicker by changing the paint brush size before I
did the Stroke Path bit of the process. I also made a third line and erased part of it
and sorta made it join the other two to look like a cool triangular shape.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 12:
Here I've added some text in and applied the same layer style to the text layers.
It's important to pay lots of care and attention to your text. When you're first starting
out, use simple fonts and play with spacing between letters, words and sizes. You
can achieve a lot with just some small tricks. Here I've contrasted the three words
by making Glow a lot larger and in regular casing, then made Advanced and FX
much smaller, with greater space between the letters and all caps.
You can control spacing with text using the Character window. If it isn't already open
go to Window > Character and it should appear. Mess about with the different
settings until you learn what each controls.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 13:
Now we add some particles. To do this, create a new layer then select a tiny paint
brush - size 3 - and just paint some dots on. It helps if they are clustered towards
the center of the glow so that it looks like they are emanating from there.
You can make some of the central ones larger by doubling over on them with a
second paint brush dab.
Then paste our Glow layer style on to that layer too!
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 14:
Now that's looking pretty cool, but it will look even cooler if we give it some subtle
coloring instead of this super gaudy red.
So create a new layer, and using a radial gradient, draw a blue to white gradient as
shown.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Advertisement
Step 15:
Then set that layer to a blending mode of Color and change the opacity to 50%.
You'll see that it turns the image kind of bluish. I think that's looking much cooler
already, but just to go that extra step I also created a couple of extra layers, one
with some faint yellow and one with faint purple. You can see them in the
screenshot above.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
I set each layer to blending mode of Color and thin opacities so that they all fade
together.
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Step 16:
And there you have it: advanced glow effects with a cool color blend and subtle
smoky background combined make for a pretty great effect.
Just remember to experiment with settings and try applying the glow to different
things to see how it turns out. And try different color combinations, some surprising
combinations turn out really beautiful. Good luck!
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Suggested Tuts+ Course
Advertisement
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Length:
Medium
Categories:
Effects Photo Effects Graphic Design
Pen Tool Color Blending
Adobe Photoshop
Translations:Selections and Masking in AdobePhotoshop
$15
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Related Tutorials
Tuts+ tutorials are translated into other languages byour community membersyou can be involved too!
Translate this
post
Download Attachment
About Collis Ta'eed
Hi I'm Collis and I work at Envato makingawesome websites and generallywandering about the internets!
Quick Tip: Expanding on the StyleInspired Double Exposure EffectDesign & Illustration
Learn How to Paint a Realistic Nosein Adobe PhotoshopDesign & Illustration
How to Create Custom Brushes toRender Fur in Adobe PhotoshopDesign & Illustration
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Advertisement
Jobs
Envato Market Item
1127 Comments Psdtuts+
Support Staffat Artbees in stanbul, Turkey
Front-End WordPress Developerat ThemeIsle in Bucharest, Romania
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
1127 Comments Psdtuts+
Share
Join the discussion
Reply
Sammy 4 years ago
I can't do the step 7. why?when I right click, i can't choose the stroke path
15
Reply
akosiKapitanObyus 7 months ago> Sammy1. make sure it's a path and not a shape.2. create new layer and then select it.3. select pen tool and then right click the path
2
Reply
mark 6 months ago> akosiKapitanObyuswhere is the download Photoshop PSD?
8
Ren Patel 2 years ago
Using CS6, glow effect isn't working well at all for me. It shows as very shadowy rather than the clean ultra brightstrokes in yours. Any ideas? I have tried copying and pasting your layer styles from the download and it's no better.
It's ok, adjusted the brush opacity settings to 100%.
Recommend 6
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
It's ok, adjusted the brush opacity settings to 100%.
11
Reply
Adam 3 years ago
I have "simulate pressure" ticked yet I do not get the tapered edges. :S
6
Reply
euls 3 years ago> Adampress F5 > Click Shape Dynamics > in Control choose Pen Pressure
7
Reply
AliNoorani 2 years ago> AdamI had the same problem in CS6follow what euls said press F5 > Click Shape Dynamics > in Control choose Pen PressureIf nothing happened (like in my case) you should make sure that JITTER is set to a number rather than 0%the more you set the jitter number the more dramatic the curve tapers
5
Reply
anh a year ago> AliNooranithanks
1
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
Bob a year ago
Great, so, you're tutorial is to have me download a PSD file ...
Oh, and the download doesn't work either ... yeah, great.
4
Reply
CheyN Ngadino 2 years ago
I want a video ! -_-
4
Reply
Chase 4 months ago
Alot of major details missing, but i got it.
2
Reply
Mary Winkler 2 months agoMod > ChaseThank you so much for sharing your result! You'll be featured in our upcoming "Created by You" communityproject (published in April).
Reply
amy 4 years ago
my "stroke path" isnt working can any one tell how does it work?
2
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
mark 6 months ago
hi im at no. 9 now but i cant find the glow effects, where is the download sample Photoshop PSD link? thanks!
1
Reply
mohammad 2 years ago
in step 4 it says go to filter>sketch>chrome. i went to filter but there is no sketch, can someone help me pleae?thank you :)
1
Reply
Venesh Privin 2 years ago> mohammadYou can use Filter Gallery also.
1
Reply
Satyajit Sahu 2 years ago
This is such an awesome tutorial!
1
Reply
ing.var 2 years ago
woow thanks for tutorial, I esspecialy like those light effects, but these I create in app called Flame Painter - mucheasier and faster..and then I edit everything back in PS
1
Reply
Jackson Sandland 3 years ago
Wow! Thanks for posting this tutorial. It is phenomenal. What is the name of the font? The link above is expired. So,we can't see what the font is anymore. Thanks, Jackson
1
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
Sudhir Yadav 13 days ago
Never seen a bad tutorial like this. A lot of steps are missing and not clearly explained
Reply
didina 3 months ago
awsome now i will draw quickly this saved me unexpectedly i was here for glow and learned how to use path thankyou kinde ser!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply
Sunnyokapi 5 months ago
I can't get the gradient the way it's done here. It would be nice to have that explained rather than just jumping in. Cananyone help? When I do it it goes from the red to gray then black instead of red gradually getting darker until black.
Reply
Sunnyokapi 5 months ago
How was the radial gradient done? Whenever I try it goes from the red colour to grey then to black instead of straightto black.
Reply
Anne 9 months ago
This is the worst tutorial I've ever seen... Sorry, but you didn't explain anything important at all, there are so manythings I didn't understand. For example Step 12: "Here I've added some text in and applied the same layer style to thetext layers." - HOW ????
Lauren 2 years ago
This is great! I'm a beginner trying to learn some new techniques and this was perfect. Thank you!
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
This is great! I'm a beginner trying to learn some new techniques and this was perfect. Thank you!
Reply
Guest 2 years ago
I was wondering if anyone can help me. I'm stuck on Step 7. After creating a new layer (Step 6), I clicked on the Pentool, I right clicked, but in the menu that popped up, the Stroke Path option was greyed out. passed this step, what layer am I suppose to be on, the new one I created on Step 6 or the one I drew the curve on?
Reply
Venesh Privin 2 years ago> GuestDid you draw the curve. Stroke path should come. after you did the curve. Goto Window>Paths, you can seeWork Path, right click and stroke path.(you can save it by double clicking the text "Work Path" and naming itand pressing ok)
Reply
Jared Ye 2 years ago
thanks, really helpful
Reply
Alli Rossi 2 years ago
What is the canvas size that was used? Mine is coming out very pix-elated, Thanks :)
Reply
Venesh Privin 2 years ago> Alli Rossithe bigger the canvas the higher value you should add. example distance 3px dont work well in big canvasyou should higher the value.
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
Amidesigh 2 years ago
in the 7*th step i have only the white line (white was my colour on the box) and in the 9*th step, i dont underestand what to do in outer glow, you just showed the drop shadow :(... come on man:( ...
Reply
Venesh Privin 2 years ago> Amidesighfor outer glow try this value: Blend mode-Screen; opacity:75%;color:# ff793b. *Elements -Technique:softer;Spread:0%; Size:25px. Quality -Range:50%
Reply
nat 2 years ago
Just wanted to point out how great this tut is. Clear, detailed and a wonderful effect. Most of the tutorials out there area real mess, so well done.
Reply
ataur 2 years ago
nice tutorial for me
Reply
Ping 2 years ago
Thanks a lot :) Really informative
Reply
Mike 2 years ago
Beginner Alert - hey, can this be done in Illustrator CS2-4? What would be different? Thanks so much for this post
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
Reply
Marksz 2 years ago
Guys, simulate pressure, depends on the stats of your brush..Draw your lines with pen, Press B, select a brushes that flows at the sides, Press P, and press ENTER.. now itshould be working
Reply
testdl.ir 2 years ago
tnx for this tutorial
Reply
Johanne 3 years ago
why are you so awesome. well explained. i would love to subscribe or pay for your tutorials!!!
Reply
Akakasi Raymond 3 years ago
Thanks a lot... This tutorial helped in many ways! Cheers! :)
Reply
Maaz Ahmed 3 years ago
Helpfull!! but my glow not u like is really yelloish:(
Reply
Mitul Gogoi 3 years ago
I just learned simulate pressure through this tutorial. This is an awesome tutorial.
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Reply
Gary 3 years ago
Excellent tut - learnt a lot, thank you
Reply
Azzakura 3 years ago
This is awsome , thank you !!
Reply
Min Htin 3 years ago
Thank you !!so nice this site !!
Reply
esse 3 years ago
you need to go to your brushes window>brushes and turn on shape dynamics.
Reply
saha 3 years ago
Amazing sharing. Every tutorial is very helpful and very well explained. Thanks for sharing.
Reply
taran 3 years ago
its not working in 8th step i am trying to make glow stroke path its not working
Daniel Miller 3 years ago
Thanks for this awesome tutorial!!!!!! I used it on my site www.thewinstonshow.com it looks amazing you rock...I
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Load more comments
Reply
Thanks for this awesome tutorial!!!!!! I used it on my site www.thewinstonshow.com it looks amazing you rock...Iwould have had an ugly plain title, but thanks to you it looks really cool! :)
Reply
andrei 3 years ago
thanks alot:x
Subscribe Add Disqus to your sited Privacy
Share
Share
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
19,722 Tutorials 545 Video Courses
Advertisement
Teaching skills to millions worldwide.
Follow Us
Email Newsletters
Get Tuts+ updates, news, surveys &
offers.
Email Address
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
Custom digital services like logo design, WordPress installation, video
production and more.
Check out Envato Studio
Choose from over 5 million royalty-free photos and images priced from $1.
No subscription required.
Browse Photos on PhotoDune
Help and Support
FAQ
Terms of Use
Contact Support
About Tuts+
Advertise
Teach at Tuts+
Translate for Tuts+
Meetups
Email Address
Subscribe
Privacy Policy
pdfcrowd.comopen in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API
2015 Envato Pty Ltd. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective
owners.
Recommended