Things You'll Need:
- Adobe Photoshop software
- Digital image
- Computer
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Step 1
Open an image file in Adobe Photoshop. It is possible to exert more control and creativity over the finished image if the file you are working with is in layers. This way, your filters can be applied to specific layers and not others.
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Step 2
Make a selection. Using the marquee tool, magic wand or other way of selecting a portion of your image, choose the part of your project you want to alter with filters. If you want to apply a filter to the entire layer, simply select the layer by making it active.
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Step 3
Choose a filter from the filters menu. There are categories of effects that have specific filters in a fly-out menu. Click on the filter you selected and see the change in your selection as the filter is applied. Some filters take a bit of time to render as your computer processes the change in data of your image file.
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Step 4
Modify the parameters of your filter. Some filters allow you to adjust how the effect is applied to your selection. For example, you can choose the texture used in some filters, or the type of virtual brush used to create the effect. Play around with the settings until the preview of the filter effect is pleasing to you.
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Step 5
Add filters on top of filters. Some of the most interesting and artistic effects come from applying filters on top of one another. Explore the options in the layer styles palette, and then apply a filter from the filters menu. You can always go back to your original image or a version of it by using the history window.
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Step 6
Save your work. If you are satisfied with what you created, re-name your file making sure to "Save As" instead of saving and overwriting your original file.
