Using Photoshop to Create Mirror Effect: Photoshop has always been fun software for me to live my design desire and convert things from something really ordinary to miraculous. I remember when I was learning Photoshop, this awesome feature of creating the Mirror effect came up. I have always found it very fascinating and wanted to learn about how we can give a realistic touch to a photographed object.
We started with the baby steps and eventually when I finished, I was just so perfect in it. Today, I am going to enlighten you guys on how to create a mirror effect using Photoshop. Let’s dig into the topic some more.
I will use 6 steps in creating the reflection/mirror effect and when you will be practicing it, you won’t need more than 10 minutes to accomplish the deed. Here we go:
- Copy
- Paste
- Flip
- Position
- Blend
- Mask
Let’s take a look at these quick steps in depth:
#1. Copy the Object- Using Photoshop to Create Mirror Effect
Place a hand on the mouse and using Marque Tool, drag it over the object. Make sure that you cover the entire area for making a perfect reflection. You don’t have to worry about the surplus area that you might have covered while making the selection. The extra area can be covered later by using a masking tool.
After the selection, now you have to copy the image which can be done using two methods. According to the initial method, you can copy the area by simply pressing two keys simultaneously: Control+C.
According to the second method, you can right-click the selection and click “Layer via Copy”. By using these methods, you can copy the selection.
#2. Paste in New Layer
Now, you have to paste the copied selection into another layer. Suppose you have used the “Layer via Copy” option, another layer will be automatically created. You have to create another layer yourself if you have used the Control+C option. By taking another layer, you can paste the object with the help of the command: Control+V.
You will end up with two similar layers as shown in the below image
#3. Flip Layer 2
Now it’s time to flip the second layer. You can do it by following this method:
- Go to edit in the menu
- Click at Transform
- Click on Flip Vertical Option
After using this option, your design will look upside down. You don’t have to worry about the image as this hilarious part is among the process of creating the reflection.
#4. Position it Right
Using the keyboard shortcut “V”, you can select the move tool. This tool is used to position the object. You can either use your cursor to make the movement or you can use arrows at the keyboard.
Drag the image down and align it at the end of the original image. This is how your image will look once you have dragged it to the right position.
#5. Blend Mode
To change the mode, follow these steps:
- Click on the Layer Panel that is situated right next to the option of “Opacity”
- Now among the options, Click on “Screen Mode” from the default mode
There are other modes available such as Lighten, Color Dodge, Lighter Color, Linear Dodge, etc. All these modes have different types of effects on the image. You can also use screen mode depending upon the image. This is how your image must look after this step:
#6. Masking Time- Using Photoshop to Create Mirror Effect
Now we are at the last step of this topic. Masking will be done here using the gradient tool and mask tool. At the bottom of the layer panel, you will find options such as “Add Layer Mask”.
This can also be done by using another set of options such as:
- Visit Layer Menu
- Click on Layer Mask
- Click on Reveal all
Then you have to move to Gradient Tool. If you want to select default colors, you can press the “D” icon on your keyboard. Black should be the foreground color whereas white should be the background color.
The process has to be done on the layer mask. You have to make sure about this step. It is easy to identify as the active selection has corner brackets around it. While masking, the white area of the mask is the part that will be revealed and the black part is the one that will be hidden. The edges must be faded in order to give a more natural look to the image.
As per the working of the Gradient tool, it paints from the foreground color to the background color. Drag the tool starting from the middle of your image towards the bottom. For more adeptness in using the tool, you can press the SHIFT Key. You can drag the tool as per your requirements as there are many other variations that could be experimented with.
So this is the final product that we will get after using this process. As in this image, I have used the gradient from black to white and that is why it is hiding the bottom area and revealing it in the inner shadow.
So these are the basic steps that can help you in creating a mirror effect in Photoshop in quick 10 minutes.