How to use a brush in Photoshop

Photoshop Brushes are fun, and easy to use. Don't be afraid!

No Photoshop? 

No Problem.

We always include .png files in our free brush sets.

1. INSTALL



Depending on your version of photoshop (CS series or elements), and if you are working on a mac or a pc; there are a few ways to install brushes.
To keep it simple- if you can find your brush presets> choose Load, then import the brush set!

For me, I am on a mac and working on Photoshop CS5. I simply drag and drop my .abr brush set into photoshop, or just double click and they are installed.

 Need more help? Rather than try to cover all versions, here are some simple online sites that should help-

• How to install photoshop brushes

• When I was using photoshop Elements, this tutorial from Texas Chicks was a gem!

2. CREATE

For the free brushes that we are giving you today, it is best to use them with 4x6 images.
I shot these photos in RAW format, so they are much larger than they need to be. I cropped them to 4x6 at 300dpi.

Once your image is ready, add and select a NEW layer. With the new layer active; choose your brush.

 Play with your brush settings, you can always command z to go back- or even delete the layer the brush is on.
You can change the direction of the brush (great for arrows!). Experiment with the opacity, the texture and the size.

Remember to create a NEW Layer for each new brush.

Flatten. Save. Done!

3. USING .PNG FILES

 .png stands for "portable network graphics" and was developed mainly to deal with shortcomings of the .gif

.png files have a transparent background which allows you to change the color, opacity &  texture without influencing other elements.

MOST photo editing programs will support .png formats. (my memories suite is one)

This free brush download also includes a folder of .png files and is available at persnicketyprints.com/digifreebies.
Please do not share the download link with others. You are however, welcome to point them here.

- HAVE FUN!

 *Persnickety Prints, inc. is not affiliated with Adobe. Please visit the adobe support page for software help.

DAD Stamp

Lately, I am loving .abr brushes & stamps. It's almost like the paper days when I would get crazy with my stamps and ink pads. Almost.
Thankfully with "digital stamps" we have the "command Z" option. (which is the hot key for step backward on a Mac). I can place my stamp, change the opacity, color, etc. and then change my mind!

Here is a simple DAD stamp in .abr and .png format. It is high resolution, and perfect for that last minute "Dad" card, or stamped monogrammed photo of Dad.

The great thing about Stamps and .png files, is that they are transparent. Below I have used this stamp on different papers from our free Fathers Day Paper pack. It blends with any layout. You can easily change the color of your stamp by selecting a new foreground color in photoshop.

Installing your .abr stamp/brush into your photoshop program:
1. Download the file HERE
2. a) Drag the .abr file directly into your Photoshop program (or)
    b) Open Photoshop> Brush Presets> Load Brushes > (load the .abr file)
3. Open layout or photo. Select a NEW Layer. Choose the Brush Tool on the left. Find this awesome Dad Brush (#1637) and Stamp away! Play around with colors, blend modes and opacity to make it all your own!

Enjoy.