This entry is part 1 of 1 in the series App From ScratchThis tutorial is part of a three-part series explaining how to design UI elements for mobile applications in Photoshop. In this part, we will explain how to design an icon for your mobile device’s home screen. Let’s get started! Tutorial Assets The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial. Wood Texture Step 1 Create a new document. In this tutorial we will be designing our icon at 1024×1024 pixels but feel free to design yours at 256×256 or 512×512 pixels. Step 2 With the Rounded Rectangle Tool (U) draw a shape using...

We’re excited to announce that Tuts+ Premium members now have access to a new Rockable eBook and in-depth video course on DSLR Photography as part of their membership. The eBook is Rockstar Icon Designer (usually USD), and the course is Introduction to DSLR Photography with professional photographer Kim Bultsma. If you own a DSLR but don’t fully understand how to get the most out of it, you’ll love this course. Keep reading to learn more, or become a Tuts+ Premium member. Say what? The Rundown Tuts+ Premium is the sister site to the Tuts+ Network. It’s an online educational platform for...

In this tutorial we will show you how to create a detailed audio receiver icon using Photoshop’s vector editing capabilities. Let’s get started! Tutorial Assets The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial. Powered By Envato API logo Step 1 Open Photoshop and create a new document sized at 900 px wide and 500 px high with resolution of 72 px/inch. Step 2 Use the Rounded Rectangle Tool (U) with radius of 5px to draw light grey (#f0efef) rectangle. This rectangle will be the base of our receiver. Apply Bevel and Emboss from Layer Style panel. Step 3 Cmd/Ctrl-click on Vector mask thumbnail to create selection,...

It’s fun and challenging to create items from scratch in Photoshop. In this tutorial we will create a futuristic bicycle icon from scratch using some basic Photoshop tools. Let’s get started! Step 1: New File Open Photoshop and set up a new document (Command/Ctrl + N). Use the following settings; Resolution: 72dpi, Color Mode RGB color, Dimensions: 500×310 px. Step 2: Creating the background Fill the document with the black color #000000, then make a selection using Rectangular Marquee Tool (M) like I did. Into a new layer (Command/Ctrl + Shift + N) using Brush Tool (B) with a big master...

When creating icons, many designers struggle to decide how much detail to include. Should the icon be simple or complex? In this tutorial, we’ll create a detailed 3D monkey icon using a photo of a toy monkey as a reference. In the process, we’ll add texture and lighting. Tutorial Assets The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial. Toy Fur Custom Brush Step 1 Create a new document with 1024×1024 pixel resolution at 72dpi in RGB color space. Place the Toy photo inside the document from File > Insert. Step 2 With the Pen Tool (P) trace the toy but use different layers for each...