Create Cloud Brush in Photoshop – Tutorial

Creating brush tips in Photoshop opens up a variety of creative possibilities. In this tutorial, we will show you how to easily create a cloud brush that helps you to create impressive skies and other atmospheric effects. Let’s get started!

Key Takeaways

• You will learn how to create a cloud brush tip in Photoshop.
• The use of specific filters and adjustments allows for realistic results.
• Working with layers and brush presets is crucial for optimal results.

Step-by-Step Guide

Start by creating a new document. Choose a size of 500 by 500 pixels. This size is ideal for achieving a precise cloud structure while ensuring details are not lost. Click "OK" to create the document.

Now search for a cloud-like structure. For this, use the render filter. Go to "Filter", then "Render" and select "Clouds". This will give you a fog-like representation. However, this is not yet ideal to use as a brush tip, as the shape is square and does not create the desired effect.

To refine the structure, apply a levels adjustment. Raise the dark and mid tones slightly. This will better differentiate the cloud structure and make it more realistic. Save these changes for now.

If the structure is still not perfect, you have the option to repeat the render filter. Use the shortcut "Ctrl + F" for this. This way, Photoshop generates a new random pattern. Click through until you create an appealing cloud structure that meets your aesthetic demands.

Once you’ve found an interesting structure, begin to darken the edges of the cloud with a simple round brush. Make sure to set the opacity to 100% to achieve a uniform black at the edges. This is important to avoid unwanted white spots.

Experiment with the opacity to further define the cloud structure. It is crucial that the edges do not show any white spots, as these could create unwanted effects in your brush tip. Work until you have a clear and structured cloud shape.

Now you should reduce the two layers to one to work more easily. If everything is fine by now, go to "Image" and select "Invert" to invert the colors. You will now have a structure on a white background. This inversion is necessary to properly save the cloud as a brush tip.

Navigate to "Edit" and select "Create Brush Preset". Name the new brush tip "Cloud" and click "OK". Your cloud brush tip is now saved.

To make the clouds appear more realistic when applied, open the brush preset settings. Here you can work with the "Angle Jitter" to achieve an irregular shape. Also, adjust the "Size Jitter" and "Scatter" to create even more diverse cloud structures.

After you've played with the settings, create a new layer in your image and select the saved cloud brush tip. Experiment with different opacity values to create a soft and realistic cloud structure in the image.

You can also create several cloud brushes by generating different variants and saving them under various names. This way, you have a versatile selection of cloud brushes and can vary as needed.

To integrate the clouds into your image, you can switch between the already saved brush tips and work out your cloud landscape. This process is not only creative but also a lot of fun!

Summary

Now you have learned how to create your own cloud brush in Photoshop. With the right tools and techniques, it is easy to integrate impressive cloud structures into your projects. Feel free to experiment with the various possibilities that Photoshop offers to develop your personal style.