Photoshop Tutorial: How To Create a Smoke Effect

In this tutorial we are going to examine one technique for creating smoke effects with Photoshop.  For this exercise I am using CS3, however earlier versions of Photoshop will be able to perform the steps necessary for creating an excellent smoke effect.  This Photoshop tutorial will cover the usage of various Filters and Tools.  A basic knowledge of creating new layers, applying gradients, using the Polygonal Lasso Tool, Dodge Tool, Wave Filter and Liquify Filter will help you in this tutorial.

…and begin

Step 1

First create a new file.  I am using an image size of 500 x 200.  You may want to work on a larger palette since it is easy to reduce the image size later without sacrificing quality.

Add a new layer and start with a dark background that way your smoke will have a far more noticeable appearance.  I have chosen to use a gradient of deep purple (#1B041A) to black (#000000).

Step 2

Add a new layer so we can make a shape with the  Polygonal Lasso Tool.  In this step, it is only important to create a shape that will be roughly similar to your desired form for your smoke.  Draw your lines with the Polygonal Lasso Tool and be sure to enclose the entire shape you come up with.

Next apply a light color gradient to the shape, I am using light orange (#F8D3C1) to orange (#BA4207).

Step 3

Select the  Dodge Tool, and you can use the following settings as a starting point: Brush: 35px, Range: Highlights, and Exposure at 50%.

With this selection, use the Dodge Tool in the corners of your shape, or anywhere in the shape for that matter, as it will add some color depth to the smoke effect when we are all finished up.  You may also want to try using the Burn Tool in this step as well.  I encourage you to play around with Brush Size, Range, and Exposure settings as you try to find your right mix.  The great part of using Photoshop is adding your own touch and interpretation to your work!

Now for the fun part… Where the smoke really begins to take shape.

Step 4

Go to Filter –> Liquify.  The execution of this step’s technique is really up to you.  I set my Brush Size to 103px, Brush Density to 50, and the Brush Pressure to 100.  Then I just moved the brush about my shape in a steady sweeping motion; blending and moving my soon-to-be smoke into a pattern I found suitable.  Go nuts and try different stroke techniques.  If you are not satisfied with your result you can always undo and try again.  Experimentation is the key to success.

Step 5

Next, select Filter –> Distort –> Wave.  I set my Number of Generators to 5, a Wavelength Min of 10 and Max of 120, and an Amplitude Min of 5 and Max of 35.  Set the Scale to 100% on both the Vertical and Horizontal.  You will notice a preview pane on the right, click on Randomize as many times as necessary until you find a preferred shape, then click OK.

Step 6

Go to Edit –> Fade Wave and set the Opacity to 50%.

Optional Steps

Depending on the smoke effect you are trying to achieve, you may want to add another level of smoke by duplicating all of the steps in this Photoshop tutorial.  You may want to change the shape and colors used to create a more layered effect that will add realism to your smoke.  This is exactly what I did for the header that you see on this blog.

I think we are done here.

Congratulations, you’re finished!  As is always the case with Photoshop there are so many ways to reach your intended goal.  This is the way I go about creating a smoke effect with Photoshop, and I would love to hear some different techniques that you might be using.