How to add texture to a photo using Photoshop.

Ever seen a photo that just caught your eye and you couldn't quite put your finger on it? It could possibly have an added texture to it giving it the appearance ranging anywhere from "rugged" to "classy". What adding a texture means is basically adding another layer to your photo to give it extra detail.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer
• A photo you would like to digitally manipulate
• Adobe Photoshop, Corel Paintshop Pro, or any photo editing software that allows you to add layers

1. 

   Download a file that you would want to use as a texture. A good place to start would be www.deviantart.com. Type in the word "texture" in the search box. Find a picture you want to use as a texture, photos of rugged walls or "dusty" looking photos work best.
   
   (Be sure to click the screen shots on all the steps to get a better idea of what to do, if you have any questions!!)

2. 

   Right click, click SAVE AS, name, and save your file.

3. 

   In your photo editor, click file, open, and open your file you would like to add the texture to.

4. 

   Now go back to file, open, and open the texture file you saved. (Do not close the photo you are making changes to.)

5. 

   Click back on your main photo and check the dimensions. If you are using Adobe Photoshop, you are going to click IMAGE then IMAGE SIZE. Look at the "Pixel Dimensions". Remember them, width & length.

6. 

   Now you are going to change the dimensions of the texture to make sure it is the exact same size as your photo. Do this by going to IMAGE then IMAGE SIZE, like you did before. But, this time you are goin gto change the dimensions. If your pictures width was 1000 and the height was 600, change it to that. You may have to unclick the "Constrain Portions" box at the bottom.

7. Now with your texture still selected, click on Select at the top, and click All. Then click on edit, then copy.

8. 

   Now that you've copied it, click back on your photo. Go to edit, and click paste. You are going to paste the texture right over top of your photo, so that all you can see is the texture.

9. 

   Now you're going to change tha OPACITY (or transparency) of the texture. This can be found on the bottom right hand corner of your layers tool box. It'll start out at 100 and change it to whatever you think looks good.
   
   Note: Make sure your texture layer is highlighted (BLUE) so this is the layer that is being edited.

10. Now save your image and you are all set!! It may not look perfect the first time you do it, but practice and it will come more natural to you.

Tips & Warnings

• You may add more than one texture to a single photo.
• Don't be discouraged if you don't like the way it looks the first time you do it. It takes practice.
• Changing your texture to a sepia tone or black and white may add to the attraction of the complete product.
• Adding different lighting effects or designs to your original will also give it a boost!!
• Send me a message if you need further help.

[malyndalove]

on 8/12/2009 I have a problem with step 9...

[mycuteladyug]

on 12/3/2008 Thanks so much for such an easy explaination of how to do this - You so rock and this is sooooooooo easy. Here is a great sight for free texture downloads.
http://browse.deviantart.com/resources/textures/#order=9&offset=144

[jujube123]

on 4/4/2008 I always wondered how to do that! Thank you!