I love to use brushes when I scrapbook and design because brushes are so flexible. One brush can be used in many sizes and colors. Here are some important points to remember about creating your own custom brush in Photoshop (PS) or Photoshop Elements (PSE).
- For PS CS2, PSE 6 and newer versions, the size limitation of a brush is 2500 pixels by 2500 pixels. (I do not have info on PSE versions before 6). There are two opinions on how big to create brushes. One side is to create the brushes at the maximum size. Brushes can be sized down but cannot be sized up beyond its original size without losing resolution. The other side is to create brushes at the size of intended use. I do both depending on the situation.
- Brushes are created using grayscale. White (#FFFFFF) is transparent and Black (#000000) is opaque. Anything in between the black and white will be translucent according to its color value.
Here is a video tutorial on how to create a custom brush is Photoshop CS5.
If you can’t see the embedded video, click here to see it on YouTube.
Here is a video tutorial on how to create a custom brush is Photoshop Elements 10.
If you can’t see the embedded video, click here to see it on YouTube.
I hope you enjoy creating brushes and using them as much as I do!
Glad you figured it out!
Ok- this is CRAZY- I just watched your tutorial and i can’t find my brush icon in my PSE. Have any idea where it could of gone- I have every other icon but that one- the crop, move zoom in, paint, etc. If you could reply ASAP that would be awesome. Thanks so so much-
Hi Kelly. I am looking to learn how to make masks with flowers, etc. in and around them. Could the same application in making brushes be used in this case? Thanks for giving the size range and pros and cons. I’ve made brushes but not in PSE10 yet. I am also wondering if there is a way to get tools for the PSE9 or 10 without having to sift thru to find them. 🙂 Thanks much.
Great video tutorials! I’ll definitely be using this in the coming months!
I’m glad this will be useful to you Katie. I am always open to suggestions for tutorial topics.