How to make easy reflection logos using Adobe Photoshop CS3

The following tutorial instructs the user how to make easy reflection logos using Adobe Photoshop CS3. There are a lot of tutorials on the internet instructing how to make reflection logos, text and effects; this is a common method and the example is a basic logo. This process can be used for complex reflections and graphics. Please enjoy.

If you prefer video, here you go:

For a step-by-step explanation let’s begin:

1. Double-click on the Adobe Photoshop CS3 Icon

2. Select File > New or use the hotkey Ctrl+N

3. For this tutorial we will be using a canvas with a width of 400 pixels and a height of 125 pixels, but you can make yours whatever size you like. For sake of continuity, if you are a beginner, use this canvas size.

4. Alright, now that we have the canvas setup let’s add some text! For this step you will select the Text tool and use the Impact font (or any font that you would like, just make sure that it is consistent).

5. Now we have the text tool selected, let’s scroll over to the canvas and add some text by simply clicking anywhere in the white space.

6. Now that we have the new layer automatically created it is most likely named “Layer one”. This is not a very useful name and down the line when you are working with a very complicated image you’re going to want to rename every new layer you create in order to remember what is held within that layer. For this layer we are going to name it “Logo.”

7. Ok, now our layer is named properly… you’re probably saying (or thinking) on with the show!!! Ok, here’s where it get’s interesting. We are going to duplicate the “Logo.” Right click on the layer in the layers window and click Duplicate Layer… OR: Select the Layers option in the topnav and select duplicate layer. Same deal.

8. Rename the Duplicated layer from “Logo Copy” to “Logo Mirror” or “Logo Reflection”… This is a good habbit to get into.

9. Now there is a duplicate layer effectively sitting right ontop of the original “Logo” layer, you may not be able to tell. But just wait…. one more step: First, we are going to have to Rasterize the layer. Right click on the “Logo Mirror” Layer and click Rasterize Type.

10. Now the layer doesn’t hold the “T” icon and you’ll notice that there are some checkerboard dots behind it… don’t fret! Rasterizing helps us! Now we are going to flip our Rasterized layer! If you don’t Rasterize you’ll get this error:

11. Ok ok… you followed along correctly! Now let’s Edit>Transform>Flip Vertical. If you are saying “huh?!” In simplest terms: In the top nav select Edit, scroll down to Transform and click the Flip Vertical option.

12. Now this image may look funny:

but don’t worry it’s really easy to fix by selecting the Move Tool

And with the Move tool selected now we can use our arrow keys on the keyboard to precisely align the “Logo Mirror” layer below the “Logo” layer. We will mainly use the down arrow, you MAY have to use the right or left arrow if the alignment requires it to be flush with the edges. This is what you should have:

13. Now that our “Logo Mirror” layer is flush below the “logo” layer we are going to change the Opacity to a value that makes it resemble more of a reflection. For this example I use 40%. This value may change depending on your preference. Notice: all the Opacity option does is change the transparency of the layer. This is good for creating a reflection as you will see in the following step.

14. This is where thinking simple helps. Instead of creating a Gradient Overlay and complicating matters with the Marquee tool to create a reflection effect we will select the Eraser tool:

And select the proper brush settings in the top menu, here are my settings (you may have another preference depending on how large your canvas or logo):

15. Once the brush tool has been selected with the proper brush settings ERASE the lower edges of the reflection on the “Logo Mirror” layer so it looks like a proper reflection. This step is the KEY to the whole look of the logo. You may have to revert back to the History window (Window>History) a few times to get the exact look you want. As well, you may want to go back and redo the opacity to create a stronger reflection… this all depends on your preference. This is what I end up with:

Graphic Sample:

Before

After

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