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How To Add Rain to an Image Using Photoshop

How_to_add_rain_to_image_using_Photoshop_Vividesigning

An image with clouds in it sometimes feels incomplete if there’s no rain. Luckily, Photoshop allows you to easily achieve a rain effect, even if you don’t have any experience in editing. 

To help you with this, we’ll show you how to do this with easy-to-follow steps to change the overall environment in your images. 

Methods To Add Rain Effect To a Picture in Photoshop

There are two ways to add a rainfall effect to your pictures in Photoshop:

Method 1: Using Noise and Motion Blur

The first is to add a noise effect to a new layer and then apply motion blur. However, it may take a few tweaks to create rainfall that looks natural.

Method 2: Using the Light Rain Effect

The Light Rain is a built-in image effect in Photoshop’s Actions panel that quickly adds rainfall to your photos. However, it doesn’t work well for creating a heavy rain effect.

Note: Apply a rain overlay or use a brush to manually draw the raindrops in your pictures, but that would be too hectic. 

Steps To Add Rain in Photoshop

Let’s go through an easy and simple tutorial to add rain to images using Photoshop’s Noise and Motion Blur method.

Step 1: Import the Image and Add a Blank Layer

First, click Open in Photoshop, choose your photo, and click Open again.

Right-click the background layer (image) in the Layers panel and choose Duplicate Layer. Rename the duplicate layer as the Editing Layer and click OK.

Click + in the Layers panel to create a new layer and rename it as Color Fill.

Select the Color Fill layer, click Edit, and choose Fill. 

Select Color next to Content, pick a solid black shade, and click OK.

Right-click the Color Fill layer and choose Convert to Smart Object.

Step 2: Add the Noise Filter 

Now click Filter (top ribbon) and choose Noise > Add Noise.

Select Monochromatic & Gaussian, drag the slider to adjust the amount to around 200%, and click OK.

Choose Rectangle Marquee Tool, select a small noise section from the Color Fill layer, and press CTRL/CMD+J to copy it to a new layer. 

Delete the Color Fill layer. Then, click the Move Tool, click the sample in Layer 1, and drag the handle to resize it and cover the image completely. 

Now, click Adjustments in the right panel, select Curve, drag the Black slider towards the center, and click Clipping Mask.

Step 3: Apply Motion Blur

Rename the Layer 1 to Rain Effect and convert it to a smart object. After that, click Filter (top toolbar) and choose Blur >  Motion Blur.

Set the angle and distance of the motion blur, and click OK.

In the Layers panel, adjust the Opacity to set how strong the raindrops (noise) appear on your image.

Step 4: Add Blurred Rain in the Background

Hold Shift, select both Curves and Rain Effect layers, and press CTRL/CMD+J to duplicate them. Rename the layer to Rain Effect in BG.

Select the Rain Effect in BG layer, click the Move Tool, and drag the transform handle to resize the layer so the raindrops become smaller and only cover the backdrop.

Click Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and choose a radius of around 4 pixels.

To remove the blurred rain from the model and umbrella, select the Editing layer, choose the Quick Selection tool, and click Select Subject.


Choose Inverse from the Select menu.

Select the Rain Effect in the BG layer and click Add Layer Mask.

Step 5: Export the Image

Finally, click File > Export > Export As.

Select the file format, set the image size, and click Export to save the image on your PC.

Tips and Tricks

Add Clouds in the Background

If your image has a blue sky in the background, make sure to change it to a cloudy effect using the Sky Replacement option. Otherwise, the rainy effect will look artificial.

Play Around With Motion Blur Angles

The motion blur has a directional aspect, so experiment with different angles (60°,45°, 70°, and others) to match the movement or actions in the image.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding Too Much Noise

Always prefer little noise at first to preserve the details and view the subject clearly. Gradually increase the value if needed. 

Forgetting to Match the Lighting

If the lighting doesn’t align with the blur direction or noise intensity, it can break the realism. Make sure the lighting and shadows follow the direction of motion.

FAQs

Why Is My Noise Not Showing After Applying Motion Blur?

If you’ve set the distance of motion blur too high, the noise effect will disappear from your image. So, always start with a smaller distance value and gradually increase to get the desired rainy day effect. 

What Tools Can I Use To Make Hair Look Wet From Rain in Photoshop?

The Lasso or Quick Selection tool in Photoshop can make your hair wet from rain by creating a new adjustment layer and increasing brightness and contrast. Use a Soft Brush to paint the hair, and set Overlay or Soft Light as the blending mode. Add a new layer, use a soft brush to paint white highlights for light reflection, and then apply Gaussian blur.

Conclusion

As we conclude, you’ve learned the step-by-step instructions on how to add a rain effect to an image using the Noise and Motion Blur filters in Photoshop. 

It’s now your turn to apply this method and to bring a realistic, rainy atmosphere to your photos.

Author

  • Nakita Liang

    Nakita is a skilled Adobe Illustrator expert with eight years of hands-on experience. Nakita has honed her craft over the years, specializing in creating visually stunning illustrations that leave a lasting impact. Her design philosophy revolves around pushing the boundaries of Adobe Illustrator to unlock new possibilities in visual storytelling. Beyond her professional pursuits, Nakita is passionate about fostering a collaborative design community. She actively engages in knowledge-sharing, participating in forums and workshops to inspire and guide fellow designers.

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