PS Tutorial 4: Creating Layer Styles

Create | Tutorial PS Smart Tutorial Series four: Create a once and for all layer style

The Photosho 7.0 layer effect is very effective for creating page buttons and flipping states. Apply the effects of any combination, and then save the combination as a layer style so you can apply it to other layers immediately. Here, we will show you how to add a 3D effect to your Web button.

(Figure Main)

1. Draw a button in the new layer

Create a new layer and draw your button. (We use the Rectangle tool to create a square.) Double-click the button layer in the Layers panel to display the Layer Style dialog box.

(Figure STEP01)

2. Set Layer effect

Select an effect from the left column of the Layer Style dialog box, and then modify the effect with the appropriate options on the right. Here, we choose the "pattern overlay" effect and then choose a texture pattern that looks like rust.

(Figure STEP02)

3. Application of additional effects

Select an extra effect from the list of styles and modify its options to make it look more elaborate. We added two effects: drop shadows and Bevel and emboss. In the bevel and emboss options, we select the texture. In the texture panel, use the rust pattern again, and then adjust the zoom and depth slider to give the pattern a 3D appearance.

(Figure STEP03)

4. Save Effects in style form

Select the layer, click the Create New Style button in the style panel, and enter the name of the style in the New Style dialog box.

(Figure Step04)

5. Create more Layer Styles

In addition to the rust pattern of the 3D effect, we have to create another style to make the symbols on our buttons look like they were carved on the surface.

In the second style, we combine the inner shadow, the gradient overlay, and the pattern overlay effect. This time the pattern overlay, we still choose and just the same rust pattern, make the color and texture consistent.

(Figure STEP05)

6. Apply this style to another layer

Once you create a layer style, you can apply it to other layers. Just select a layer on the Layers panel and click on the style in the style panel to apply it to the layer.

Storing the combination effect in a layer style can save you time and improve efficiency. You don't have to recreate a similar effect, or bother remembering all the set values. You can create any style you want, as many as you like.

(Figure Step06)