In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to create a realistic sand effect in Photoshop. We’ll use a combination of layer styles, brushes, and some simple adjustments to create a design that looks like it was made out of sand.
To start, let’s create a new document in Photoshop. I’m going to make my document 1200px x 800px for this tutorial.
Once your document is created, open up the image of the sand that you want to use. I’m using this image from Unsplash.
Next, we’re going to add our sand image into our Photoshop document. To do this, simply drag and drop the image into your workspace or go to File > Place and select your image.
Once your image is in the document, resize it as needed. I’m going to resize mine to fit the width of my canvas.
After you have your sand layer sized correctly, we’re going to add a few Layer Styles to give it some dimension and realism. Double-click on the sand layer in your Layers Panel to bring up the Layer Style window.
First, let’s add a Bevel and Emboss style. Set the Depth to 1000%, the Size to 10 px, and uncheck Use Global Light so we can adjust the light angle for just this layer. Set the Angle to 120° and hit OK.
Next, add a Drop Shadow style by checking the box next to Drop Shadow. Set the Opacity to 70%, the Distance to 5 px, and the Size to 10 px.
Again, make sure Use Global Light is unchecked so we can adjust the light angle for just this layer.
Now we’re going to add a Texture style. Check the box next to Texture and click on the little folder icon next to Texture so we can select our own texture file. I’m using this grunge paper texture from Lost & taken.
Once you have your texture file selected, set the Scale of your texture until you’re happy with how it looks. I set mine at 100%. You may also need to adjust the Position of your texture until it looks good over your sand layer.
The last Layer Style we’re going to add is an Inner Glow. Check the box next t0 Inner Glow and set the color of your glow by clicking on the color swatch next to Color.
I’m using a light orange color for my glow (#ff9000). Set the Opacity of your glow around 35% and play with different Blend Modes until you find one you like.
I usually like Linear Dodge (Add) or Screen for my Inner Glows. Once you have your settings how you want them, hit OK.
Conclusion:
How Do You Make Sand in Photoshop? – In this tutorial, we learned how to create a realistic sand effect in Photoshop using a combination of layer styles, brushes, and simple adjustments.
We started by creating a new document and adding our sand image into it. Then, we added a few Layer Styles to give it some dimension and realism. Finally, we adjusted some settings and added a few finishing touches
