How to Create a Desktop Collage on Photoshop

Have you ever searched for the perfect desktop wallpaper for your computer screen, but have always been disappointed at the cheesy and impersonal selection? Take the images that you love and turn them into a digital collage for your screen in Photoshop!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• At least 10 digital images to work from.
• Adobe Photoshop

How to Create a Desktop Collage on Photoshop

1. Open a new document. Make it 11" x 8.5" and 300 dpi.

2. 
    
   I have copied and pasted images into my new document.

   Open all of the images you will use in Photoshop. Copy and paste them into your new document. They should all come in as their own separate layer. Leave them on their own layers.

3. 
    
   Images sized and placed.

   Size all your images and place them where you want them. You can even rotate them or apply filters on images if you wish. Make sure you take up the whole size of the canvas/background.

4. Save this version as a .psd and keep all your layers. This will be useful when you want to add or change images in the future.

5. Flatten image. "Save As" a copy. Make sure that this one is .jpg format and that the final size is 11" x 8.5" and 72 dpi.

6. 
    
   Finished collage

   Now set your desktop preferences! You can center this, fill screen, and stretch to fill screen

Tips & Warnings

• You can play with the hue/saturation tool in Image>Adjustments to make your collage all one color or sepia tone. Just make sure you click on the Colorize box.
• You can use text or bring in Vector shapes and ornamentation for more or your own style.
• You can use gradients for a dramatic effect.
• You can use the lasso or pen tool to cut out pieces of photos and place them.
• Remember this will be on a desktop, refrain from using any inappropriate images, especially in the workplace.