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How to Create an Engraved Effect Photoshop Action

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This post is part of a series called Photo Effects.
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What You'll Be Creating

In this Photoshop tutorial, I'll show you how to create an action for engraving in Photoshop. You can browse the incredible selection of Engraving Photoshop Actions from Envato Elements to apply this effect to your photos in seconds.

Watch How to Make a Photoshop Engraving Effect

Turn your photos into actual currency. Recreate the look of a traditional money engraving in Photoshop. In this quick video, I'll show you how to create a simple wave pattern using the Line Tool (U) and then follow up by creating a Photoshop Action to apply those patterns.

Follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel to create an action for engraving in Photoshop:

How to Create a Money Engraved Look With Photoshop

Start with the pattern to create an action for engraving in Photoshop. Open a large New Document at 2000x2000 pixels. Use the Line Tool (U) to create a line at the top of the canvas at 1 pixel. Then go to Filter > Distort > Wave and use the following settings to create a quick wave.

  • Number of Generators: 10
  • Wavelength Min/Max: 199, 200
  • Amplitude Min/Max: 5,6
  • Scale: 100%

Then hold Alt-Shift-Down Arrow to create many wave layers moving downwards. Merge all the wave layers together. Use the Crop Tool (C) to Crop the canvas so that you create one rectangular box with identical wave peaks on both sides.

Create the Money Engraving Pattern in PhotoshopCreate the Money Engraving Pattern in PhotoshopCreate the Money Engraving Pattern in Photoshop

Duplicate the wave layer five times. For each layer, add a thicker Stroke line (1 pixel greater) using the Blending Options, before Rasterizing all the layer styles. Then go to Edit > Define Pattern to save each wave as its own pattern.

Add Thicker Strokes to Each Wave LayerAdd Thicker Strokes to Each Wave LayerAdd Thicker Strokes to Each Wave Layer

Open your image. Here I'll be using this Woman Portrait. Create a quick Action Group and Action Set for your effect. Hit the Record button when you're ready to record the next steps. Hold Control-J to Duplicate your photo five times. For each layer, go to Image > Adjustments > Threshold. Start with a low level for the first layer, and then Increase the Threshold for each duplicate by at least 20 pixels more than the last.

Apply Threshold to Your PhotoApply Threshold to Your PhotoApply Threshold to Your Photo

Apply a Fill of each wave pattern you created earlier to its own New Layer. Rotate a few of the layers for more wave variety. Finally, select your first threshold layer and go to Select > Color Range, changing the main option to Shadows. With the shadows selected, Unhide one of the wave layers and hit the Layer Mask button to create a perfect Mask. Do this for each layer before Deleting the threshold ones.

Remember to hit the Stop button on the Actions palette to save this engraved Photoshop action for future photos.

Create the Engraving MaskCreate the Engraving MaskCreate the Engraving Mask

Here is the final engraving Photoshop effect.

Money Engraving Effect Black and WhiteMoney Engraving Effect Black and WhiteMoney Engraving Effect Black and White

Feel free to add a tint of green for more color variations to this engraving Photoshop action.

Money Engraving Photo Effect Photoshop TutorialMoney Engraving Photo Effect Photoshop TutorialMoney Engraving Photo Effect Photoshop Tutorial

5 Photoshop Engraving Effects From Envato Elements

Short on time? Apply an instant money engraved effect Photoshop action to your photos by selecting one of the incredible Photoshop Actions available on Envato Elements. And check out a few of our favorite engraving Photoshop actions below!

1. Engrave Photoshop Action (ATN, PAT)

Engrave Photoshop ActionEngrave Photoshop ActionEngrave Photoshop Action

Travel to the past using this exceptional engraving Photoshop action that produces a remarkably realistic money engraving effect. Experience how easy it is to use an action that offers different depth levels, allowing you to select the amount of detail you prefer. Download this engraving Photoshop action and get the results you want in a matter of seconds.

2. Engraving Photoshop Action (ATN, PAT)

Engraving Photoshop ActionEngraving Photoshop ActionEngraving Photoshop Action

Get a brand new image with a single click. With this action for engraving, you can apply awesome effects to your images, allowing you to show versatility in your photographer or graphic designer portfolio. This collection of expertly designed Photoshop engraving effects will help you to express yourself accurately through images.

3. Engraving Photoshop Effect (PSD)

Engraving Photoshop EffectEngraving Photoshop EffectEngraving Photoshop Effect

You don't have to go back in time to get a 50s style image. You don't have to use a printing press to get a newspaper look. You can apply this action for engraving in Photoshop and deliver what you're looking for from the comfort of your own home. Grab this action for engraving in Photoshop and elevate your images exponentially.

4. Halftone Pro Photoshop Engraving Effect (ATN, GRD, PAT, PDF)

Halftone Pro Photoshop Engraving EffectHalftone Pro Photoshop Engraving EffectHalftone Pro Photoshop Engraving Effect

Want a more colorful approach? Check out this useful pack of Photoshop engraving effects. Not only is it beautiful and easy to use, but it also comes with these features to help you create the perfect engraved look in Photoshop:

  • non-destructive action
  • well-arranged layers
  • adjustable layers
  • video tutorial included

5. Engrave Photoshop Action Kit & Duotone FX (ATN, PAT)

Engrave Photoshop Action Kit - & Duotone FXEngrave Photoshop Action Kit - & Duotone FXEngrave Photoshop Action Kit - & Duotone FX

To diversify the line styles in your photos and make an engraved look in Photoshop, explore this incredible action. It's compatible with multiple versions of Photoshop, which makes it more versatile. Plus it includes duotone Photoshop engraving effects, resulting in a more special look for your images. Give it a try and witness its power!

More Photoshop Tutorials From Envato Tuts+

This is part of a series of quick video tutorials on Envato Tuts+ in which we introduce a range of subjects. Learn more about how to create Photoshop actions:

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