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How to Create a Realistic Rainbow Using Adobe Photoshop

How_to_Create_a_Realistic_Rainbow_using_Adobe_Photoshop_Vividesigning

Creating a realistic rainbow is a fun way to add a splash of color to your photos, digital art, or design projects. Thankfully, Photoshop lets you quickly add this effect to your pictures and give your images that extra pop. 

Below, we’ll explore two methods and choose the best one to help you get this effect quickly. We’ll also share some tips to follow and common mistakes to avoid for better results.

Methods to Create Realistic Rainbow Using Photoshop

Photoshop gives you two ways to create rainbows, and each has its own perks and downsides:

Method 1: Pre-made Rainbow Gradient

Photoshop has a preset gradient that you can use to create a realistic rainbow in the sky. The only bummer? It might look a bit too perfect if you don’t tweak it right.

Method 2: Brush Tool 

You can paint the rainbow manually using the brush tool and colors. While this method gives you total creative control, it takes way more time and requires some serious artistic skills to get the desired effect.

Steps for Adding a Rainbow to a Picture in Photoshop

We’ll use the simple Rainbow Gradient method to show you how to add a rainbow to your pictures. Do these steps: 

Step 1: Open Your Image in Photoshop

First, open “Photoshop,” click “Open,” browse through your PC to select the image, and click “Open” to import it to the editing interface. 


Now, right-click the Background layer in the Layers panel and click “Duplicate Layer.” You can also simply click “CTRL/CMD+J.” Rename the layer to “Editing” and click “OK” to create a copy. This way, if you mess up, your original photo stays safe and sound.

Click “Create a New Layer” to add a blank layer and name it “Rainbow.”

Step 2: Select the Gradient Tool

Next, click the “Gradient Tool (G)” in the toolbar or just press “G” on the keyboard. 

Then, click “Select and Manage Gradient Presets” in the top menu and open the “Legacy Gradients” folder. 

Now, open the “Special Effects” folder and select “Russell’s Rainbow.”

Drag from the bottom middle of the picture and draw a line up to create a rainbow.

Step 3: Position and Refine the Rainbow

After that, click “Add Layer Mask,” select “Brush Tool,” select a soft brush, and reduce the “Opacity” and “Flow.” Set the brush color to black and use it to fade out unnecessary parts of the rainbow and blend to the sky in the background.

Select the “Rainbow” layer and set the “Blending Mode” to “Screen.” Drag the “Fill” slider to get the desired look.

Step 4: Export Your Image With Rainbow

Finally, click “File” in the top left corner of the screen, choose “Export,” and select “Export As.”

Select the file format and size and click “Export.” Choose the location where you want to save the picture and click “Save.”

Tips and Tricks

Use a Layer Mask

Always use a layer mask instead of directly erasing unwanted parts of the gradient effect. Paint with a soft black brush to hide sections of the rainbow where clouds might block it. Use white to bring back any areas you’ve hidden. Adjust the brush opacity and flow to create fine transitions.

Match the Rainbow With the Scene

To make your rainbow look natural, it needs to match the perspective and angle of your photo. For this, use the Transform tool (Ctrl+T) to bend and shape the rainbow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overly Bright Rainbows

If your rainbow is too bright, it will appear artificial and ruin the authenticity of your photo. So, try to reduce the opacity or set the blending mode to “Screen,” “Lighten,” or “Overlay.” You can also create a clipping mask under the “Hue/Saturation” adjustment and increase the “Lightness” value.

Not Considering the Light Source

Rainbows typically appear opposite the sun. So, always check your photo’s lighting (shadow) and place your rainbow accordingly. If the sun is high, your effect should be lower in the frame. If it’s late afternoon, position the arc more to the side.

FAQs

How To Enable Legacy Gradients in Photoshop?

If you cannot find the “Legacy Gradients” folder in the Gradient Editor, click “Window” and select “Gradients” to open its panel on the right. Now, click the three horizontal lines and select “Legacy Gradients” to activate them.

What’s the Best Type of Photo To Add a Rainbow To?

The best photos for adding a rainbow are ones with open skies and plenty of natural light. Landscapes, waterfalls, or shots with mist and rain work great because this colorful arc naturally appears in those settings. 

Most importantly, work with pictures where the sky isn’t too crowded with trees or buildings, so the rainbow has space to shine.

Conclusion

There you have it! You’ve learned how to create a realistic rainbow in Adobe Photoshop using Russell’s Rainbow gradient.

Remember, adding the effect isn’t just about drawing a colorful arc across your sky – it’s all about understanding how real rainbows work and using the right tools to recreate that natural look. 

Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be adding gorgeous, believable rainbows to your photos.

Author

  • Derry Skinner

    Derry Skinner is a seasoned Adobe Illustrator virtuoso with a remarkable 14 years of experience. Derry's journey in the world of design has been marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Specializing in vector art and graphic design, Derry has a keen eye for detail and a talent for transforming ideas into captivating visuals. His extensive experience includes working on diverse projects, ranging from corporate branding to intricate illustrations. Derry Skinner is not just an expert in Adobe Illustrator; he is a trailblazer who combines experience with a passion for pushing the boundaries of visual design.

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