This tip explains a method of creating some great looking smooth metal, for use in your interfaces, website layouts, skins, etc. The great thing though is that once you've followed this tutorial one time, you'll have a cool Layer Style which you can instantly apply to other images in the future as well--a great time saver. Read more
The following tutorial will guide you in creating a fairly realistic stone effect. Although the example in this tutorial is based around applying the effect to an interface, you can use the same technique to create text, or whatever you prefer. The techniques described here are adaptable; you can use these to create a whole variety of different textures and effects -- simply change some of the settings and experiment. Read more
So you've seen those trendy "tentacle" designs in your favorite wallpapers and splash pages, but were disappointed to discover that the usual way to create them is with a 3D modeling program. Never fear though, with a bit of effort you can create a similar effect with just Photoshop... no 3D app necessary. A slight drawback is that the final product of this technique never comes out quite the same--what you'll end up with will be random, but will definitely look cool. Read more
Create some shiny glossy buttons for your website's menu system. This tutorial illustrates how to add a glossy finish to your buttons or other nifty shapes. Read more
The following is a technique every designer should have in their bag of tricks. This is a handy technique to know when making any sort of interface. These steps will enable you to make buttons look like they are inset into the surface of an object such as an interface, winamp skin, etc, and can add a great degree of depth to an otherwise flat and boring image. Read more
Create some cool smooth chrome with soft blue highlights, great as a text effect or on all kinds of other... eh, chrome stuff. Read more
In this tutorial you'll learn to create a great aqua plastic text effect using Photoshop layer styles. Read more
In this tutorial you'll learn to create the smooth clear plastic tab buttons first seen on Apple.com. Over the years plastic tabs like these have become incredibly popular--try using them in a horizontal top menu for your site, along with the sliding doors technique for a great usable menu system. Read more
Whether you're designing an application interface, a skin for your favorite audio/video player software, or a slick website layout, you'll find that the techniques outlined in this tutorial will be useful in these and many other instances. The example in this tutorial is a single part of what would make up a complete interface--several similar parts combined together would add up to a great looking interface. The point of this tutorial is to introduce you to many of the elements of interface design that you have at your disposal, to give you tools and ideas which you can call upon while designing your own interface. Read more
This Tutorial will show you how to make Transparent GIF images, which allow the background color or texture of your website to show through the areas that you define as transparent. Read more
This tutorial will show you how to cut up images for use in interfaces, website layouts and templates, tables, or Javascript enabled menus, etc. Read more
While this is technically not a tutorial, it's a considerably important matter that every would-be graphic designer must face. Adobe Photoshop is a "very" expensive program, and rightly so, considering its nearly boundless abilities and its status as the undisputed industry standard in image manipulation software. Read more
This is a basic tutorial that will teach you several ways to make a drop shadow in Photoshop. Even though drop shadows are very simple, you'll most likely find that you will end up using them quite a bit in your work. Read more
This tutorial will show you how to make horizontal and vertical dashed lines. Read more
This tip will teach you how to add some color to an old faded photograph or a black and white or grayscale image. The examples in this tutorial are very quick and basic -- if you put more time and care into your image, your results can be much better. Read more
In this tutorial you'll learn a really cool effect you can use on your text or other objects, that makes them appear to be made of gel-like material. Read more
This tutorial demonstrates a really cool effect you can use on your text or other "stuff" to make it appear 3D. Read more
This tutorial will teach you how to create an effect where text appears to be "burnt-in" or "branded" into the image of your choice. Read more
This tutorial will teach you how to create an effect on your text or other objects that emulates that of the Aliens movie. Read more
The following tutorial will teach you how to create burnt edges on a picture--only you won't have to use matches this time! Read more
This tutorial will teach you how to create a metallic shape which you might be able to be used as part of an interface or button. Read more
This tutorial will show you how to add a cool-looking chrome effect to your text. This technique is of course not limited to just text--you can apply it to anything you want. Read more
For all you pyro-maniacs, this tutorial shows a technique on creating a blazing inferno of burning text. Read more
The technique you learn from this tutorial will probably prove very useful to you in future designs. It will show you how to make a quick and easy "soft" beveled edge, which you can apply to your interfaces, buttons, etc, to add some instant good-looking depth. For this tutorial, we will make a button using the technique. Read more
These days rounded edges are on just about everything. Though nice right angles can be just as good, many people enjoy the softened feel that rounded corners can offer. This tutorial outlines a method used in older versions of Photoshop (5.5 and older) to transform the edges of squares and rectangles into rounded edges. Read more
This tutorial will teach you how to create a simple "Remote Control" which you can use as an interface for a web site, program, or anything else where a cool 3D menu might be needed. Read more