Instant Lightning

1. Open a new file and create a new layer. Make sure the default fore ground/background colors are set. Fill the new layer with a gradient from foreground to background setting from left to right. Use the Shift Key to make a straight line gradient.
2. Select Filter / Render / Difference clouds to produce a random pattern. Type Command-I to invert.
3. Open Levels and slide the middle triangle to the far right until the lightning effect appears, and
Click OK.
4. Select Image /Adjust / Hue and Saturation to add color. Click on the Colorize Button. Bring saturation down to 25. Then use the Hue slider to arrive at the color you desire. Click OK
5. Adjust the layer mode of the lightning layer to Hard Light to complete the effect.

Page Curl

1. Open a new document with a white background layer.
2. Create a rectangular shape on a new layer named “page” and fill it with the page color of your choice.
3. Create an additional type layer that has the text you want to appear on the page and align the text on the page.
4. Merge the type layer with the “page” layer and choose Filter >Distort > Shear. Create an “S” shape on the distortion grid and click “OK”.
5. Use the Free Transform mode ( Command-T) to rotate the page to the desired orientation.
6. Create a layer above the “Page” layer. Command-click on the “page” layer to load the page selection on the new layer and set the Airbrush to 10% pressure. Paint in black for shadows and white for highlights on the page.
7. Add a Drop Shadow Layer Style to the “page” layer. Choose Layer>Layer Style>Create Layer to convert the Drop Shadow effect into its own layer.
8. Use the Free Transform mode to stretch, rotate, and position the shadow to your liking. Hold down the Command key and drag a corner handle to perform a perspective transformation on the shadow.

Quick Neon Effects

1. Open a new document and fill the background with black. The easiest way to do this is to type “D” and then Option-delete. Then select the Type Tool and set the font size to 60 points or higher. Type your text.
2. The text will be black on the black background. To see the text, go to the layer pallet and turn off the eyeball next to the Background Layer. Position the type with the move tool as needed. When satisfied with the position, turn the Background Layer back on.
3. Go to the Layer Menu and select Effects. From the options presented select Outer Glow. Select a neon-like color such as purple, red, yellow, etc. Increase the intensity to 100%. Do Not Click OK…proceed to the next step.
4. Press the “Next” button once. Click on “Apply”. Then click on the color swatch you earlier selected. Change the Blur to 7 and increase the intensity to 100%. Click on OK.