3 Easy Steps to Apply Textures in Photoshop

One of the best things yet most confusing things about Photoshop and Photoshop Elements is that there are always different ways to do the same thing. That is wonderful because users can experiment and find the way that works best for them. However, it can be confusing to new users because they keep seeing and hearing different ways and it can easily overwhelm them.

3 Easy Steps to Apply Textures in Photoshop and PSE

Today I am going to show how to apply textures in three easy steps. I have written other tutorials about applying textures, but this will be the simplest one yet.

This tutorial is 100% applicable to both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. The screen prints below are from PSE, but the video tutorial was doing using Photoshop.

To start, simply open the image you wish to apply textures to and make sure you know where your textures are saved.

For those who are new to Photoshop and PSE, textures are images of textures or made to look like textures. They are not like actions; they do not need to be “installed.” Once you download a texture or texture set, save it somewhere on your computer that you can easily find later.

Apply Texture by Using Place Option

Go to File in the top menu, then down to Place (or Place Embedded in Photoshop CC). Navigate to the texture you wish to use on the image. Stretch the texture to fit the image and click the check mark.

Placing Texture on Image in Photoshop

Blend Texture With Image by Changing Blend Mode

Change the blend mode to Soft Light or Overlay. You can find the blend mode just under the word “Layers” in the Layers Panel; it will say “Normal.”

ChangingBlendMode

 

Use Mask and Brush to Reduce Texture

Add a mask and use a low-opacity, soft, black brush to conceal the texture over areas you don’t want it to be as strong. The mask icon is a rectangle with a circle in the middle.

AddingMask

Below is a very quick video tutorial showing these steps in Photoshop CC. If you would like to try out some textures, you can download this free texture pack.

About Amanda

I am passionate about helping others learn how to use their DSLR cameras and editing programs. More information about me can be found at my About page, or by visiting my personal blog.

Comments

  1. Thanks Amanda. Hope you’re having a wonderful summer!

  2. Amanda, I need to give you a huge hug…..why???? Because, NOW, finally, you made it so easy that I understand how to use textures, and I have been trying to learn for months now. I really appreciate your eagerness to help and to teach. Tank you so much!

    • Nancy, I could give you a hug too! It makes me so happy to know that this tutorial made a difference for you. That was the reason I wrote, so thank you for taking time to let me know. 🙂

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