How to Create a Lightning Effect With Photoshop

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Open the image you're editing or make a new file.

   The example shown here uses an RGB 300 x 100 with a black background.
2. 2

   Step 2: Draw the lines in the position you want the lightning to be.

   Use a 1px paintbrush. , Filter > Stylize > Wind.
   
   Select the method as 'Wind' and the direction 'From the left'.
   
   Now repeat except change the direction to 'From the right'
   
   Click Image > Rotate > 90 degrees right.
   
   Repeat the previous step and rotate it 90 left. ,, At the bottom right corner, hit "Colorize".
   
   Now adjust the "Hue" bar and the "Saturation" bar until you get a color you like. ,,
3. 3

   Step 3: Use the 'Wind' filter.

4. 4

   Step 4: Rotate the image 90 degrees.

5. 5

   Step 5: Move to Filter > Distort > Ripple

6. 6

   Step 6: set the amount to 100%

7. 7

   Step 7: and hit "OK".

8. 8

   Step 8: Go to "Enhance > Adjust Color > Hue/Saturation".

9. 9

   Step 9: If you'd like

10. 10

    Step 10: hold down Ctrl

11. 11

    Step 11: then select both the background layer and the first layer

12. 12

    Step 12: and press Ctrl + E in order to merge the two layers.

13. 13

    Step 13: Finished.

Detailed Guide

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