How to Add Dimension and Texture Using Lighting Effects in Photoshop

Plain ol' textures are a dime a dozen these days, so it takes a little something extra to create graphics that stand out.

This tutorial will teach you how to add some depth and dimension to a flat texture using the lighting effects filter and a dash of Photoshop layer styles.

Step 1

Open your texture in Photoshop. We're using one from our Concrete and Cement Textures Pack 1.

Duplicate the background layer (CTRL + J).

Step 2

Click Filter > Render > Lighting Effects. Under "Presets" in the top menu, select Default.

Move the handles around and change the settings in the Properties panel to match the settings below.

Step 3

Double click your layer to open the Layer Style dialog. Apply the following settings to enhance the vignette.

The color used is #4D2A00.

Final Image

You can see that with a few simple steps, you can quickly transform a flat texture into something with much more depth and interest.

Were you able to use these methods on your own textures? Share your version in the comments.