All About Photoshop Layer Styles

After making my recent tutorial about adding a simple border using layer styles, I started thinking about how much you can do just using that double click (just double click on the layer you want to edit in Photoshop). So much in fact that I decided to make a whole category in the tutorial table of contents just for layer styles, and I plan to be adding more tutorials as I think of them.

Layer styles includes everything from adding a drop shadow, to covering an element in glitter or turning something into metal. And the best part is that you can save and share your layer styles for future use. It was a year or two before I realized I could just save my preferred drop shadow style and then instantly add it to any element. Such a time saver! And great for consistency as well.

Currently here at Pixel Scrapper I just have a couple tutorials to help you along:

• Using styles in Photoshop
• Using Inner Shadow Style To Make A Cutout
• Make a 3D Plastic Bubble Effect
• Trimming an Element, video
• Making Puffy Paint Glitter Doodles
• Making A Simple Border Using "Stroke"

Also the glitter kits here at Pixel Scrapper all come with the .ASL layer style file so you can quickly and easily add glitter to a layer.

But I thought it would also be good to point out some of my favorite resources from other designers. Layer styles are a great thing to invest in because you can use them over and over, and they are super quick and easy to use. I prefer them to actions which sometimes take a long time to run, and if you can get the same look with a layer style, excellent!

My favorite designer who creates excellent layer styles for purchase (and for commercial-use) is Mommyish Graphic Design. Her commercial use designs can be found at SugarHillco.com.

Another great layer styles designer is KimB. She also sells commercial use products at SugarHillco.com. I own these great chipboard styles, and these other ones I've got my eye on!

To help you get started both ladies have offered a layer styles freebie and a coupon to their store!

Check out this blog post from KimB for a these fun layer styles, and check her out at SugarHillco.com:

And Mommyish has this great soft plastic style for you to try out, and a coupon for her store (which she extended through Monday for us). And check out her informative tutorial for using layer styles.

I hope this info helps you get started with this great aspect of Photoshop! And please stop by this forum thread to share your own favorites and thoughts.