3 Essential Photoshop Tricks Every Creator Must Know

In this post, we will be discussing:

• Applying Logos to Textured Surfaces Using Displacement Maps

• Seamless Background Removal for Subjects with Hair

• Creating Realistic-Looking Shadows

1. Applying Logos to Textured Surfaces Using Displacement Maps

Here’s how to make a design look like it’s printed on a product while following the texture of that item.

Step 1: Create the Displacement Map

Desaturate the background: Add new Hue/Saturation adjustment Layer and set Saturation to -100.

Save as PSD file type.

(This this will be your Displacement Map for later use)

Step 2: Add & Prep the Logo

Reopen the original background in full color.

Place the logo on the background layer.

Right-click on the logo layer and convert it to a Smart Object.

Step 3: Apply the Displacement Map

Select the logo layer then go to Filter → Distort → Displace → Click OK.

Choose the black-and-white Displacement Map you saved earlier.

(You may need to adjust the horizontal and vertical scale according to how textured your background layer is)

Step 4: Blend for Realism

Open Blending Options on the logo layer.

Adjust "Blend If" (Underlying Layer) to reveal the fabric depth over the logo.

Split the black slider to fine-tune the logo with the background texture using Alt + Left Click.

And that’s it! Your logo now looks seamlessly printed onto the fabric, following the natural folds and texture.

2. Seamless Background Removal for Subjects with Hair

Here’s how to seamlessly remove a background from a subject with hair while preserving fine details.

Step 1: Masking the Subject

Select the Quick Selection Tool (W) from the toolbar, then click "Select Subject" in the top menu to make an automatic selection.

Click "Select and Mask" to refine the selection.

Step 2: Refining the Selection

Change view mode to "On Black" or "On White". Whichever best contrast with the hair.

Turn on "smart radius" and Adjust the Radius slider gradually (start at 2-5 pixels) and increase until you see fine hair details appearing.

Step 3: Final Touches

Use the refine edge brush tool to remove background remnants around hair.

Turn on "decontaminate colors" to remove background color spill.

Set Output To: “New Layer with Layer Mask” and click OK.

Done! Your subject is now cleanly cut out with natural-looking hair.

3. Creating Realistic-Looking Shadows

Here’s how to create shadow effects to naturally integrate your object into any scene.

Step 1: Applying the Drop Shadow

Select the object layer, then click fx → Drop shadow.

Use these drop shadow settings below.

Step 2: Separate & Position the Shadow

Add drop shadow effect to its own layer by right clicking “effects” in layers panel and choosing “create layer”.

Select the new drop shadow layer, then go to Edit→ Transform → Flip Vertical.

Drag the layer into position and adjust its angle with the rotate and skew transformations.

Step 3: Applying Blur

Apply blue with Filter → blur gallery → field blur.

Use at least two Field Blur points: one near the object for a sharp shadow and another farther away to create a smooth, diffused effect.

Step 4: Applying Gradient

Apply a layer mask to the shadow layer.

Using the gradient tool, apply a linear black-to-white gradient.

(It helps to start the gradient far away from the object and end far after the object)

Step 5: Applying Contact Shadow

Create a new layer and place it behind the object layer.

Select the Brush Tool (B) and set the color to black.

Click once where the object's edge meets the surface to place a dot.

Hold Shift, then click further along the edge to draw a straight, subtle shadow line.

Now, your subject has a realistic looking shadow effect!