Adobe Photoshop CS3 Background Pattersn Tutorial

Tutorial Written by: Shape Shed (www.shapeshed.com)

Often designs need a background to fill space behind navigation or other page elements. Here one way to create them.

Using Patterns

Using custom patterns is a great way to fill large areas. Open up a new document of 12 x 12 and select the pencil tool. Draw a pattern that will repeat. Here's the one that I've drawn.

To convert it to a pattern go to Edit > Define Pattern. Now create a new document that will be used to create the background. I've created mine at 500 x 300. Create a new layer with a solid fill. My colour here is #ff0099.

Building the background

Now right click on the layer and choose "Blending Options". You will see the Layer style dialogue come up. Click Pattern Overlay. In the middle you will be able to click and select the pattern you have just added. Change the blend mode at the top to Overlay. You can play with the Opacity and Scale if you like too.

Then click on the Gradient Overlay option. Select the standard Black to White Gradient and choose Screen for Blend Mode. Play with the opacity until you are happy. I stopped at 57%.

Within a couple of minutes you can quickly build up a background that stands out from a standard solid fill.

If you are looking for how you can possibly learn more about Adobe Photoshop or any other Adobe product there are some really good tutorial software programs that teach very well. Most of them provide video tutorials that take you step by step through every feature and process within each product in detail. The possibility of getting lost or losing focus is minimal because you are in control of the rate of speed that you learn. I personally recommend Total Training because of its great information and detail. They are also a partner of Adobe. Digital Media Studios also has a very good series of products that may be a better solution for some individuals. Remember that with time you can unlock the Adobe Guru in you!

Total Training provides customers with a Video Training Series that is promoted by a Partnership with Adobe Systems (Worldwide). You can't go wrong with the incredible series of DVD software that this company provides. Total Training provides a one of a kind offer to let you try all of their online products for 2 days with a special guest pass. You will be on your way to being an Adobe expert in no time!

If you would like something that is a bit more contemporary, why not settle down and read a good book. This Adobe Photoshop CS3 is written by the Adobe Creative Team. It provides great information for learning the ins and outs of the program. If you have the mindset to read attentively, I personally recommend this book.

These products have a different approach to teaching people from beginners to professionals how they can learn Adobe Photoshop or improve on their techniques. From Video instruction, Adobe Flash illustration, to your plain text-based document, the choice is up to you how you want to learn. Remember to return for updated articles and tips on the forum from myself and visitors. Stay Smart and Keep Learning!