Create a Crumpled Paper Effect in Photoshop

Create a Crumpled Paper Effect in Photoshop

In this detailed tutorial, Aaron Nace walks you through the process of creating a realistic crumpled paper effect in Photoshop. This technique is perfect for adding texture and visual interest to your photos and poster designs.

Aaron begins by demonstrating how to select and prepare your base image, which is crucial for achieving a convincing crumpled look. He then moves on to applying various distortions and adjustments that simulate the appearance of crumpled paper. Throughout the tutorial, Aaron provides tips on using Photoshop's tools and filters to create authentic creases and folds.

Next, Aaron focuses on adding shadows and highlights to enhance the depth and realism of the crumpled effect. He explains how to blend the textured layer seamlessly with your original image to ensure a cohesive and polished result. By the end of the tutorial, you’ll be able to transform any image with a crumpled paper texture, making it an excellent addition to your design toolkit.

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

How to Create Sharp Halftone Effects in Photoshop

Traditional halftone effects in print media created depth through visible dot patterns that gave images character and texture. While Photoshop's built-in Filter Gallery offers a quick halftone option, it produces blurry results that lack the crisp definition of professional halftone work. This technique uses the Color Halftone filter...

Create a Sci-Fi Hologram Effect in Photoshop

Transform ordinary portraits into futuristic holographic projections with this sci-fi effect technique. The process combines motion blur, gradient mapping, and scan line patterns to create the distinctive translucent appearance of holographic displays. This method keeps your subject vibrant and colorful while converting the background to black and white, emphasizing the...

How to Create Realistic Depth Blur Effects in Photoshop

Creating professional depth of field effects can transform flat images into dynamic photographs with natural-looking focus transitions. Two powerful methods in Photoshop offer different advantages: Neural Filters provide automated depth detection with atmospheric effects like haze, while Camera Raw Filter delivers precise manual control with customizable bokeh shapes. Both techniques...

Creating Dark Moody Wildlife Photo Edits in Photoshop

Dark, moody wildlife photography transforms ordinary animal portraits into dramatic, atmospheric pieces that capture the mystery and power of nature. This editing approach combines strategic lighting placement, careful color grading, and atmospheric effects to create compelling images that draw viewers into the scene. The workflow begins with essential noise reduction...

Using Clarity and Dehaze for Natural Depth in Images

Photoshop's new Clarity and Dehaze adjustment layers offer precise control over image depth, but they're often misused to create harsh, over-processed effects. Understanding how these tools work at different frequency levels helps you enhance natural atmospheric perspective instead of destroying it. Clarity affects microcontrast in small...

Add Realistic Film Grain in Photoshop Using the New Adjustment Layer

Film grain adds authentic character to digital images, recreating the organic texture that made analog photography compelling. The new grain adjustment layer in Photoshop 27.3 brings this classic effect directly into your workflow, eliminating the need to work in Camera Raw. Understanding how grain actually worked in film photography...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.