The folded paper photo effect gives your pictures an aged or textured appearance and adds more depth to them. However, applying it using Photoshop with the best outcome can be a bit tricky.
In this guide, you’ll learn simple steps to create this effect so you can make your snaps more vintage and nostalgic.
Table of Contents
Methods To Apply Folded Paper Photo Effect Using Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop allows you to apply the folded photo effect to your pictures in two distinct ways.
Method 1: Using the Rectangular Marquee Tool and Gradient Tool
With the Rectangular Marquee tool in Photoshop, you can make section outlines and then apply the gradient to blend or fade certain parts of the image for shadows and highlights, which gives you the folded effect.
Method 2: Using Paper Texture and Blend Mod
Photoshop lets you overlay a paper texture with folds and adjust the blend modes to get the desired effect. The downside is that you cannot manually apply the folds where you want.
Steps To Create “Paper Opened Up After Folding” Effect In Photoshop
Among the above methods, the Rectangular Marquee Tool and Gradient Tool is a simple way to apply the folded paper effect to your picture. Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Upload the Picture
Click “Open” in Photoshop, select your image, and click “Open” again to import it.
Click “View” in the top menu ribbon and “Rulers” to activate the measurement guide on the top and left of the canvas.
Click anywhere inside this guide on the left, hold, drag the line down to where you want to create the fold and release the mouse.
If the ruler does not appear in your Photoshop, choose “Guides” from the View menu, select “Horizontal” or “Vertical,” and click “OK”. After that, drag the guide to where you want to add the fold.
Step 2: Create a Blank Layer
Next, click “Create a New Layer” in the Layers Panel on the right to create a new layer. Then, choose “Rectangular Marquee Tool” from the left menu. Press and hold the cursor at the corner of the first section and drag it to create a selection outline.
Click “Gradient,” press Ctrl on Windows or CMD on Mac, and choose the black & white gradient from the given options. Click in one corner of the first section and drag your cursor to the opposite one to apply the gradient.
After that, repeat these steps to create a selection outline and apply the gradient to the other outlined areas.
Step 3: Change Blending Options
Next up, select “Editing Layer,” click the “Blending Options,” choose “Soft Light” or “Linear Burn,” and set the opacity to 35.
Select the “Create New Fill” or “Adjustment Layer” option and then click “Levels.”
Set the “Highlight Input Level” to 170 and close the window.
Press “Ctrl+Shift+ALT+E” or “CMD+Shift+ALT+E” to duplicate all the existing layers into a single one.
Again, click “Rectangular Marquee Tool,” select the first fold/section, and press Ctrl/CMD+J to create a layer. Rename it to P1.
Repeat the step for the rest of the folds and rename them P2, P3, and so on.
Click “Image” at the top and select “Canvas Size.”
Set the canvas size to “Percent” and increase the width and height to 120. Choose “Black” next to “Canvas Extension Color,” and click “OK.”
Press Ctrl/Cmd and select all the folds (P1, P2, P3…) layers. Then, press CTRL/CMD+C to put them into a folder and rename it to “Sections.”
Create a new layer below the folder and press ALT+delete to change its color to black. Hide all the layers below the new one.
Open the folder, select the P1 layer, and press Ctrl+T to access the transform tool.
Press Ctrl or CMD, click the upper left anchor point of the P1 fold and drag it a little to the left. Do the same for the top right anchor point, but drag it down.
Repeat the process for the rest of the folds, but drag them in opposite directions to create a folding effect.
Then, use the warp icon to fix the edges and connect them with each other.
Select the folder, click “Create a New Layer,” and drag it to the top. Again, press CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+E, click each folded layer one by one, and press CTRL to add them to the layer.
Choose layer 3 and press CTRL+J. Then, click “Create a New Layer.” Drag it below layer 4 and press ALT + DEL.
Select layer 4, click 3D, and choose “New 3D Extrusion From Selected Layer.”
Click “Yes.”
Click “Rotate the 3D Object” and rotate the image a little.
Choose “Drag the 3D Object” and set the position as you want.
Step 4: Export the Picture
Click “File” and choose “Export” > “Export As.”
Set the file type and other settings and click “Export.”
Choose the location and click “Save.”
Tips and Tricks
Experiment With Gradient Angles
While applying the gradient, adjust the angle in different directions to create realistic shadows and highlights and see how they affect the depth of the image.
Plastic Wrap Filter Settings
Play around with the Plastic Wrap filter settings, like “Highlight Strength” and “Detail,” to get the folded effect that fits your image style.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Misaligned Fold Lines
If you position the fold lines irregularly without connecting their edges, the effect will look unnatural. So, always use the warp option to fix tiny details around each section of the fold.
Ignoring Image Resolution
An image with low resolution makes the folded paper texture pixelated or blurry. Therefore, it’s best to apply this effect to high-quality source photos.
FAQs
Can I Create Multiple Paper Folds In A Single Image?
To create multiple folds, add more guides, design their outline using the “Rectangular Marquee Tool,” and apply the gradient effect to each section individually.
What’s the Best Blending Mode To Use for Applying the Folded Effect?
“Soft Light” and “Overlay” are the best choices to get a real-like paper-folded effect in your pictures. However, you can test other modes and opacity levels to find what works best with your specific image.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, you’ve learned the steps on how to apply the folded paper photo effect with a picture using rectangular marquee and gradient tools in Photoshop.
Try this method now and share unique images with anyone for a distinct feel!
