how to add smoke in photoshop
Smoke effects can be easy to create when you follow this tutorial on creating a Photoshop portrait action. We'll use smoke brushes in Photoshop to create a unique Photoshop effect.
Follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:
What you'll learn in this Photoshop Action tutorial:
- How to create a Photoshop Action.
- How to create a smoke effect using Photoshop Brushes.
- How to rotate a Photoshop Brush.
Looking to create a smoke effect in Photoshop but need it fast? Head on over to Envato Elements where you can get this and many smoke effect Photoshop actions.
![Smoke Effect Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/33/posts/34713/image-upload/smoke-effect-promo-Elements.jpg)
![Smoke Effect Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/33/posts/34713/image-upload/smoke-effect-promo-Elements.jpg)
![Smoke Effect Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/33/posts/34713/image-upload/smoke-effect-promo-Elements.jpg)
What You Will Need
To create a convincing smoke effect, you'll need special smoke brushes. And, of course, you'll need a photo to work on. Here are the assets I'll be using in this tutorial:
- Man portrait
- Smoke brush set
- Smoke clouds brush set
How to Create a Smoke Effect Photoshop Action
Step 1
Open your file. Before we start recording the action, we need to prepare the masks. Create a New Layer and name it Mask 1. Use the collection of smoke brushes to paint white smoke on the man's back, softly blending him into the background. Feel free to experiment here—there's no single correct way to do this.
![add smoke to blend](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-1.jpg)
![add smoke to blend](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-1.jpg)
![add smoke to blend](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-1.jpg)
Step 2
Create a New Layer and name it Mask 2. Use the smoke brushes again, but this time paint with black. Add smoke coming out of the man's back, with all the wisps in roughly the same direction. The problem with stamp brushes is that they can't be rotated, but you can rotate the canvas instead—the effect will be the same! Use a soft eraser or a Layer Mask to blend the smoke with the background.
![smoke brush photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-2.jpg)
![smoke brush photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-2.jpg)
![smoke brush photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-2.jpg)
Step 3
Create a New Layer and name it Mask 3. Paint with black again, adding some background smoke. Then go to Filter > Blur > Motion Blur. Add some blur and lower the Opacity.
![add more smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-3.jpg)
![add more smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-3.jpg)
![add more smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-3.jpg)
![add motion blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-4.jpg)
![add motion blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-4.jpg)
![add motion blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-4.jpg)
![lower the opacity](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-6.jpg)
![lower the opacity](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-6.jpg)
![lower the opacity](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-6.jpg)
![add background smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-7.jpg)
![add background smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-7.jpg)
![add background smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-7.jpg)
Step 4
Create a New Layer and name it Mask 4. Paint black clouds of smoke going in the same direction as the previous wisps.
![add smoke clouds](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-8.jpg)
![add smoke clouds](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-8.jpg)
![add smoke clouds](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-8.jpg)
Step 5
Merge Mask 2 and Mask 3.
![merge layers](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-9.jpg)
![merge layers](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-9.jpg)
![merge layers](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-9.jpg)
Step 6
We can start the action now. Go to the Actions panel and create a new action. Name it Smoke Effect. Hide all the masks.
![create new action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-10.jpg)
![create new action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-10.jpg)
![create new action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-10.jpg)
![hide the masks](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-11.jpg)
![hide the masks](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-11.jpg)
![hide the masks](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-11.jpg)
Step 7
Duplicate the background layer by pressing Control-J twice. Go to the upper copy, hold Control, and click the thumbnail of Mask 1 to select it. Invert the selection with Control-Shift-I, and add a Layer Mask.
![duplicate the background](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-12.jpg)
![duplicate the background](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-12.jpg)
![duplicate the background](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-12.jpg)
![add layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-13.jpg)
![add layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-13.jpg)
![add layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-13.jpg)
Step 8
Move to the lower copy, and go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. A basic form of smoke effect should already be visible.
![add gaussian blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-14.jpg)
![add gaussian blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-14.jpg)
![add gaussian blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-14.jpg)
![blur the smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-1.jpg)
![blur the smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-1.jpg)
![blur the smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-1.jpg)
Step 9
Duplicate the background layer again and move it to the top. Add Gaussian Blur to it.
![add more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-15.jpg)
![add more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-15.jpg)
![add more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-15.jpg)
![blur the subject](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-2.jpg)
![blur the subject](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-2.jpg)
![blur the subject](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-2.jpg)
Step 10
Lower its Opacity to create a dreamy glow effect.
![lower opacity of blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-16.jpg)
![lower opacity of blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-16.jpg)
![lower opacity of blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-16.jpg)
![add dreamy glow effect](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-3.jpg)
![add dreamy glow effect](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-3.jpg)
![add dreamy glow effect](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-3.jpg)
Step 11
Duplicate the background layer once again and drag it to the top. Lower the Opacity. Press Control-T to transform the layer's size. In the upper bar, click Maintain Aspect Ratio and set the Width to 150%. Then switch to Relative Positioning and move the layer 100 pixels to the left. Press Enter twice.
![resize the layer](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-18.jpg)
![resize the layer](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-18.jpg)
![resize the layer](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-18.jpg)
Step 12
Add Gaussian Blur to the layer. Then take the selection from Mask 4 and add it as a Layer Mask without inverting.
![add more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-19.jpg)
![add more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-19.jpg)
![add more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-19.jpg)
![add layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-20.jpg)
![add layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-20.jpg)
![add layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-20.jpg)
![add blurry smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-4.jpg)
![add blurry smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-4.jpg)
![add blurry smoke](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-4.jpg)
Step 13
Create a snapshot of the whole image with Control-Shift-Alt-E. Add Gaussian Blur to it. Then take the selection from the middle mask and add it as a Layer Mask.
![more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-21.jpg)
![more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-21.jpg)
![more blur](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-21.jpg)
![add another layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-22.jpg)
![add another layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-22.jpg)
![add another layer mask](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-22.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-5.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-5.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-30-5.jpg)
Step 14
Stop recording.
![stop recording action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-23.jpg)
![stop recording action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-23.jpg)
![stop recording action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-step-23.jpg)
You can now add the same smoke effect to any other photo. Just add all the masks and press play!
![smoke brush photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample1.jpg)
![smoke brush photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample1.jpg)
![smoke brush photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample1.jpg)
![photoshop portrait actions](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample2.jpg)
![photoshop portrait actions](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample2.jpg)
![photoshop portrait actions](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample2.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample3.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample3.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-sample3.jpg)
Smoke Photoshop Actions
If you need different Photoshop effects, here are a couple of Photoshop actions, ready to download from Envato Elements.
Animated Smoke Photoshop Action
With this action, you'll be able to add realistic, animated smoke clouds to your photos! All you need to do is to paint a selection and play the action twice.
![Animated Smoke Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-1.jpg)
![Animated Smoke Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-1.jpg)
![Animated Smoke Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-1.jpg)
Smoke Clouds Photoshop Action
If you want to make your photo more magical, with this set of Photoshop actions you'll be able to produce an effect of colorful smoke clouds surrounding your subject. Choose from 19 color options, and adjust the result as you see fit.
![Smoke Clouds Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-2.jpg)
![Smoke Clouds Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-2.jpg)
![Smoke Clouds Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-2.jpg)
Smoke Photoshop Action
Or maybe you're interested in creating a ghost-like effect? This action makes your subject look translucent, and the clouds of smoke give it an ethereal look. It's a very artistic effect that you can achieve with a single click.
![Smoke Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-3.jpg)
![Smoke Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-3.jpg)
![Smoke Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-3.jpg)
Smoke Animation Photoshop Action
Here's another animated smoke effect that you can use to give your photos an amazing look in seconds. This smoke effect is very realistic and can also be used as a still image.
![Smoke Animation Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-4.jpg)
![Smoke Animation Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-4.jpg)
![Smoke Animation Photoshop Action](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-4.jpg)
Realistic Smoke Overlays
And if you want more control over the whole process, here you can find 10 photo overlays that you can add manually, exactly the way you want. They're very simple to use and give an instant effect!
![Realistic Smoke Overlays](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-6.jpg)
![Realistic Smoke Overlays](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-6.jpg)
![Realistic Smoke Overlays](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-promo-6.jpg)
Good Job!
Now you know how to create a smoke effect in Photoshop, using the technique of Photoshop actions! If you want to learn more about creating Photoshop portrait actions, try these tutorials as well:
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=850/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-final.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=630/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-final.jpg)
![smoke effect photoshop](https://cms-assets.tutsplus.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=360/uploads/users/108/posts/34713/image/smoke-effect-photoshop-final.jpg)
how to add smoke in photoshop
Source: https://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-to-create-a-smoke-effect-photoshop-action--cms-34713
Posted by: prindlelareltat.blogspot.com
0 Response to "how to add smoke in photoshop"
Post a Comment