Photoshop tutorials: Grunge/ Pattern effect

original	bitmap	result

This effect makes your image slightly shrouded, which makes the image look a bit more interesting. Since this style is very famous, but many people don't know how to use it right, I'll just show you how it works with this tutorial.

1. Take the image you want to add this effect to and copy it (Ctrg+C). After that, open a new window (Ctrg+N), leave the settings be, confirm and paste your copy (Ctrg+V).

2. Enter the Image Menu now and choose at Mode the Grayscale option. A warning will appear ("discard color information?"), wich you will have to confirm. This is a condition to create a bitmap, wich is needed in the continous process.

3. Enter the Image Menu again and choose at Mode the Bitmap option this time. A new window will appear in which the further conditions can be set. If you want to achieve the same result as I did you will have to leave the settings be (you can try out other options if you have gotten a good command to this tutorial). Make sure to set 72 pixel/inch on Output and Halftone Screen on Method Use.

4. If you confirm this, a new window will appear in wich the Halftone Screen options can be set. Now you can make further changes, this is not absolute necessary, though. You may change the Shape if you want, too (I use the Shape Cross for the most part).

5. Now you have to copy the raster (Ctrg+C) and paste it over your original image (Ctrg+V).

6. Choose in the window for layers the option Blending Modes. You may vary here, too. It is recommended to choose either Overlay or Softlight, though.

7. That's all, you're done. If the effect is still looking to crude for you, you may reduce the opacity in the window for layers. It's a matter of taste after all.

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