How to Create & Design a Frame Border

A frame border can look like a picture frame or not.

There are many styles of frames you can put around your digital photo. They all start out by following the same set of steps. You can do it once to make a simple border or repeat the steps several times to make a border with several details.

Things You'll Need

• Image-editing software such as Photoshop
• Photo to put a border around

Instructions

1. Examine the photo you are framing. Look for a predominant color or a color that you want to highlight.

2. Add space around your photo by making a "Border" if your image-editing software has this feature. Specify the color and width of the border, and the software will automatically add it all the way around. Or use the "Image-Canvas size" option, specifying the width and height in pixels. Check the box next to "Relative" so it adds that amount rather than resizing your image. Select the color.

3. Create an outer border. This step is optional. Proceed with the steps below, using the border you just created or repeat the step above, making a new border a different color than the first one. It will give the appearance of a photo in a mat and a frame.

4. Give the outer border a special effect. Select the outer border by clicking within it, using the magic wand tool. Apply a special effect or fill it with a pattern. Ensure the border is its own layer and choose "Layer Style" from the "Layers" menu to apply a special effect. Choose a drop shadow, an inner shadow, an outer or inner glow or a bevel and emboss. Specify the size and depth and opacity and click "OK." Click on the Edit menu and choose "Fill" to fill the border with a pattern. Select "Pattern." Select the pattern you want to use and click "OK."

5. Repeat Step 4 on another part of the frame. Repeat the step above but use a different effect if you want to make a frame that has multiple parts, such as the two different parts of the frame in the graphic that accompanies this article. Add texture or a different size bevel. Make the new section of the border a different width or a different color. There are endless options.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose colors that are in your photo and repeat them in your frame. Keep your frame in the same color scheme as your photo.

References

• Photoshopium.com: Easy way to make photo frames in Photoshop
• Photos of the Year: Make a Photo Frame in Photoshop
• Worth 1000: Graphic Design -- let's talk about Borders Part 1 - The Basics