How to Apply Photoshop Overlay Effects Like A Pro?

An overlay is an image added to your photo to add texture or dimension to your photos. Years ago, when Photoshop didn’t exist, photographers attempted to incorporate the same effects.

Photographers overexposed images and use pins or any rough materials to scratch the negatives to achieve the overlay effects.

At present, Overlaying is done within minutes. All you need to do is drag, drop, and adjust blending mode and opacity to produce a subtle effect.

The good news is that you can find free photoshop overlays online. You can pick up overlays from these and apply the effect to your pictures. You can also add a stunning glitch effect as shown below to your photos with Photoshop.

In this article, we will guide you on how to use Photoshop overlays like a pro.

Steps on How to Use Photoshop Overlays

Photoshop overlays are pretty easy to use. Overlays are images themselves, so it does not require you to install them or save them in special folders. You can save them anywhere you want to.

Step #1 Search, Save, and Unzip

Search online for free Photoshop overlays. Download and save the overlay file anywhere you want to on your computer. Most of the time, it is a zip file.

Open the file and double-click to unzip.

Step#2 Open a Photo

Open the photo in Photoshop that needs an overlay effect.

Step #3 Add the Overlay

Open the folder you have saved the Overlays file and extract. Choose an Overlay you like and drag and drop it into your chosen photo.

It will open in a new layer. Make the needed changes like resizing or repositioning and double-click the image to confirm.

Step #4 Modify Blending Mode

You have to modify the blending mode to ensure the overlay layers will blend perfectly with the photo.

Click on the “blending mode” dropdown menu and tap “Screen.”

Step #5 Change the Overlay’s Color

Take a good look at the image and decide whether you need to change the color of the Overlay to make it better or not. It should complement the background colors.

When choosing a layer with an overlay, go to Image, click Adjustments, and select “Saturation” a new window will pop up. Drag the Hue slider to the right or left to modify the Overlay’s color.

When adjusting the Overlay’s saturation or lightness, drag the other sliders. Continue adjusting the sliders until you come up with the best color.

Then, save the photo, and you are done.

Final Thoughts

A Photoshop Overlay is the simplest and fastest way to add effects or dimensions to your photos. You have the liberty to try any effects you want, like mist or rain effects and a lot more.

There is no limit. You can drag and drop as many Photoshop Overlays as you want to achieve the look you want.