Task 11 How to Add Texture | How To Use Adobe Photoshop CS2

Texture emphasizes the surface of an image, even as it creates a global graphic effect. Photoshop offers built-in texture maps that simulate sandstone, burlap, canvas, and other surfaces. To apply the Texture filter, you select a surface and then control the light direction and the size of the texture as it is mapped onto the surface of the image. The Texture controls are located in the Filter Gallery interface. For details on how the Filter Gallery works, refer to Task 10, "How to Use the Filter Gallery."

1. Open the File and Select Filter Gallery

With the target file open, select Filter, Filter Gallery. Expand the Texture folder in the Filters palette and select the Texturizer filter.

2. Set the Texture Type

In the Filter Controls section, access the Texture drop-down list box and select Brick, Burlap, Canvas, or Sandstone. Notice the results as they appear in the preview window.

3. Set the Scaling

Scaling refers to the size of the texture effect in relation to the image. In this example, the Scaling setting affects how coarse the weave of the canvas looks. Adjust the Scaling slider to the desired setting, watching the results in the preview window.

4. Set the Relief

Relief determines the strength of the texture as it is applied to the image. In this example, the Relief setting affects just how "thick" the canvas pattern looks. Adjust the Relief slider to achieve the desired effect.

5. Set the Light Direction

Select a light direction from the Light drop-down list. Experiment with selections and observe the effect produced in the preview window.

6. Apply the Effect

Click OK to close the Filter Gallery dialog box and apply the effect.

How-To Hints

Using Other Texture Filters

In addition to the Texturizer filter, five other texture filters are offered in the Texture category: Craquelure, Grain, Mosaic Tiles, Patchwork, and Stained Glass. Create additional effect layers and experiment with all of these to see how they differ and how you can use them to enhance your image.

More Texture Enhancements

Combine standard Texture filters with other filters such as Rough Pastels, Underpainting, and Diffuse Glow. Create a new effect layer for each, drag the tiles to change the layer order, and explore the wide range of texture combinations.