how to create overlays in photoshop 2016
Whether you're going for realistic mockups or adding a hip tropical vibe to your branding, this guide can help you get the most from your shadow overlays.
Shadow overlays are an easy way to add depth to a photo. You can also transport the image to a totally different locale, or situate it in an artificial room with light coming through the blinds. This is a great way to cast a certain vibe for a product.
Of course, you can also use them simply for fun. Break your friends' brains by making them think you're wearing a winter coat in Hawaii, with snow around the city park bench you're sitting on, simply by transposing the shadow of a palm frond in a Photoshop layer. The possibilities are endless.
Use this guide to create depth, change the environment, alter the message, or simply add some flavor to any image.
Find Some Shadow Overlays
If you need ready-to-go files, we have a large selection of organic shadow overlays here. Many are already laid out for framing by positioning the shadows on the perimeter of the canvas. Many are single elements, which make them easy to adjust and move around. The cool thing is there are many variations to suit most any need.
File Prep
There are two ways to use these, depending on your software and how deep you want to go into editing the image. When you download the shadow, you can drag it onto the Photoshop file of your base image and adjust as you please.
The simplest way is to use web-based files. When you hit the download button, you may have a choice of JPG or vector. Either will allow you to save the image as a PNG file. If you don't have a vector art editing app, such as Adobe Illustrator, choose a JPG file and then convert it to a PNG.
The slightly more advanced technique is to use Blend Modes on the shadow layer to change the depth of the shadow and the way it interacts with the layers below. Use this guide to learn more about Blend Modes in Photoshop. (You can get some striking results you may not otherwise expect.)
Adding and Manipulating Shadow Layers in Photoshop
To add a shadow to an image, such as the product shot seen here, we open the base image in Photoshop.
Then either drag the file onto the open image, or drag the shadow layer from the open file onto the base image to create its own layer.
At this point, you can resize, stretch, position, and adjust how you want. (You can do this later as well.)
Now change the Blend Mode to apply the effect you want to achieve. For most, the shadow will be gray on a white background. We'll want to use Multiply as a starting point. This will make the white disappear and turn the shadow transparent.
You can now adjust the opacity of the layer to create a more subtle shadow effect, depending on the look you want. Then, reposition and resize to transform the image to a more-or-less festive setting — or transport it to a different location, like the tropics.
Realism vs. Surrealism
When you're using these, you may notice that in scenes such as a room, or if an image has perspective and depth, the shadow won't lay on images at different depths realistically. You either ignore that for a surrealistic layering effect, or fix it by using layer masks to remove the shadow in certain areas.
To do that, refer to this guide on using Layer Masks. Adjust with a soft brush and play around with the opacity of both the brush and the layer itself. The softer the shadow, the easier it will be to make it more realistic.
How to Make Your Own
If you have something specific in mind, you can create your own shadows. Working from an already-isolated object, you can create a selection. Use this guide for more info on making selections.
Create a new layer by hitting Command + Shift + N, or hit the New Layer button in the Layers window. Go to Select > Modify > Feather and choose a Radius value commensurate with the resolution of your image. Bigger number = more feathered (more blurry).
Fill the selection – on the new layer – with black or gray. You can change opacity later; black will make it easier to see.
Then, transport that layer to your base image and use the above processes to adjust and position it, along with its opacity and Blend Mode.
Cover image: base image via Vadym Andrushchenko; window shadow via pavlep; plant shadow via Lamyai.
For more how-tos and design tips, check out these articles:
- 7 Tips for Finishing and Refining Your Design Work
- 5 Easy Ways to Make Better Selections in Photoshop
- How to Make a Digital Collage in Adobe Photoshop CC
- 8 Easy Ways to Customize Photography to Match a Layout Style
- Why the New Photoshop Content-Aware Fill Is Insanely Powerful
how to create overlays in photoshop 2016
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