Most designers and photographers spend many hours in Photoshop, whether it be for designing or editing photos. In your client projects, you may receive photos that need to be touched up, or you may be a photographer yourself.
- Aug 04, 2009 The Photoshop community is choc-full of many free resources, tutorials, tips and techniques,.psd files and even Actions. There is one area that it sadly lacks in, and that is free plugins and filters. Of course, Photoshop has been the pioneer in graphic editor development for a.
- Try the New: GRFX Studio Pro and all of its quality feature FREE for the next 15 days. See why this is indeed one of the best photo apps you will ever own. Nothing held back as you have access to all the features first hand.
- The Best Free Photoshop Plugins & Filters app downloads for Windows: PSD Codec ICO file format (64-Bit) Adobe Photoshop 7.0 Scripting plug-in Alien Sk.
- The Unsharp Masking filter is the most widespread one because it allows you to be considerably in control of a sharpening function. Thanks to this free filter for Photoshop.
Vintage Landscape Photoshop Action (Free) As the name suggests, this free Photoshop action is perfect for landscape photos that you want to style to appear vintage. Faded Films – 75 Film & Retro Effects (with Envato Elements) Apply the faded look similar to Instagram filters with this collection 75 retro and film effects for Adobe Photoshop. Nov 21, 2011 Freepacks are free Photoshop plugins based on the Filter Forge technology. Each freepack is centered around a different theme. Freepacks are distributed free of charge and don’t have any time limitations.
Photoshop brings endless potential for photo editing, and one of the best ways to make use of Photoshop’s capabilities is to use actions. Photoshop actions are useful for quickly completing repetitive tasks, like performing the same steps to achieve a specific type of photo effect.
There are countless actions available that can be purchased or downloaded for free, but finding the best quality free actions can take quite some time. With that in mind, this post showcases 50 different actions and action sets that are available for free. The actions showcased here will allow you to create all kinds of different types of effects for your photos from matte and film looks, to vintage effects, to stunning black & white conversions, and even HDR. With these actions in your arsenal, you will be able to save time while editing photos, and you also will not need to scour the web to find quality free actions.
Browse through this collection, find the ones that suit your needs, and try them with your own photos. You’ll find that you are able to create some really amazing effects in very little time with the help of the right actions.
How to Install & Use Photoshop Actions
Photoshop actions will help you transform your photos into works of art and save you time during your editing workflow. They will also help you achieve a consistent look easily instead of trying to remember all the adjustments and filters you used. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to install and use Photoshop actions:
- Download and unzip the action file
- Launch Photoshop
- Go to Window > Actions
- Select Load Actions from the menu and go to the folder where you saved the unzipped action file to select it. The Action will now be installed
- To use the newly installed action, locate it in the Action panel
- Click the triangle to the left of the action name to see the list of available actions.
- Click the action you want to play and press the play button at the bottom of the Actions panel
Photoshop Action Categories: Vintage & Retro, Film & Cinema, Color Effects, Special Effects, HDR Effects, Black & White Effects, Matte Effects, Light Leak Effects, Golden Hour Effects, Sketch & Pencil Effects and Lomo Effects.
Free Vintage & Retro Photoshop Actions
Old & Dirty Photoshop Action(Free)
Turn your colorized photos to black and white and then apply a subtle vintage effect. The action works with Photoshop as well as Lightroom.
Animated Retro Vintage Film Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
This action adds a vintage retro animated look and feel to your photos. It can also be applied to videos and includes 24 different colors which are applied non-destructively.
Vintage Landscape Photoshop Action(Free)
As the name suggests, this free Photoshop action is perfect for landscape photos that you want to style to appear vintage.
Faded Films – 75 Film & Retro Effects(with Envato Elements)
Apply the faded look similar to Instagram filters with this collection 75 retro and film effects for Adobe Photoshop. Actions are easy to use and customize.
Instant Hipster Retro Photoshop Actions(Free)
This pack of Photoshop actions contains 10 different actions that will make your photos appear more retro and vintage. The actions mimic Instagram filters.
Vintage Art Photoshop Action(with Envato Elements)
This Photoshop action makes use of various brushes, filters, and effects to create a vintage art look. It works well with action photos and supports Photoshop CS3 and higher.
Faded Retro Photoshop Actions(Free)
This collection of Photoshop actions will make any photo appear aged and give it that old-time look and feel. Includes several colorized effects and a subtle light leak effect.
Vintage Heaven Photoshop Action(Free)
Apply a nice vintage look to your photos with the help of Photoshop and this beautiful set of Photoshop actions. The actions work with Photoshop CC versions.
Vintage Wedding PS Action(Free)
Wedding photographers rejoice as this free Photoshop action will allow you to add a vintage effect to your wedding photos. The collection comes with a total of 15 individual actions.
Retro Effects & Polaroid Frame Photoshop Actions(Free)
With this collection of Photoshop actions, you will be able to quickly generate vintage, lomo, and retro effects and apply them to your photos.
Free Film & Cinema Effects Photoshop Actions
Old Film Photoshop Action(Free)
Try this Photoshop action if you want to apply an old-film look to your photos. The action supports Photoshop CC and Lightroom 4 and higher versions.
Vintage Film Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
This pack of 10 Photoshop actions will turn any photo into a vintage-looking photograph. The pack supports non-destructive editing.
Free Cinema Photoshop Action(Free)
This Photoshop action, called Warm Cinema, will give a warm and cinematic look to your photos. A part of a larger collection, this action speeds up your workflow considerably.
Film & Cinema Effect Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
Try this Photoshop action if you want your photos to have a cinematic look and feel. This collection is perfect for bloggers, wedding, and portrait photographers.
Vibrant Film Photoshop Action(Free)
This Photoshop action produces an interesting vintage effect with brilliant, vibrant colors. The action works with Photoshop as well as Lightroom.
Film Effect Photoshop Action(Free)
Make your photos come to life with this Film Effect Photoshop action. The action makes your colors pop and applies them non-destructively.
Free Color Effects Photoshop Actions
Color Pop Photoshop Action(Free)
The Color Pop Photoshop action is perfect for portrait photography as well as nature, outdoors, and landscape photography. It will make your colors appear brighter.
Double Color Exposure Actions(with Envato Elements)
Create a striking effect with your photos, text and other graphic designs thanks to this collection of beautiful and bold double color exposure actions. The collection includes 7 different color styles.
Photoshop Crimson Shimmer Action(Free)
This Photoshop action is bound to make your photos stand out as it adds a subtle touch of crimson to any photo. The action is easy to adjust and apply.
Color Fusion Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
Add pops of neon coloring to any photo with this Color Fusion Photoshop action from Envato Elements. The action is applied non-destructively and can be adjusted to your liking.
Honey Photoshop Action(Free)
Choose this Photoshop action if you want to make your food photography pop. The action is applied non-destructively and can easily be adjusted.
Color Dust Photoshop Action(with Envato Elements)
Create a stunning color dust explosion effect with this Photoshop action. It will instantly transform your photos and make them appear more dynamic.
Nightmare Photoshop Action(Free)
With this action for Photoshop, you will be able to apply a dark and somewhat haunted look to your photos. A great choice to help you create dark, moody look and feel.
Copper Photoshop Actions(Free)
Apply an interesting copper look to your photos with the help of this free Photoshop action. You can tweak and adjust the action to your needs.
Winter Breeze Photoshop Action(Free)
This winter breeze Photoshop action will add a winter mood to your photos and make them more cool. The action works with Photoshop CS2 and newer.
Creamy Photoshop Actions(Free)
If you want to apply a soft, almost pastel-like look to your photos, this collection of Photoshop actions is a must. The action works best for portrait and outdoors photos.
Silver Photoshop Action(Free)
The Silver Photoshop action will transform your colorized photos into black and white. This effect works well with a variety of photos and is applied non-destructively.
Autumn Warm Glow Photoshop Action(Free)
Add an instant autumn glow to any photo by using this free Photoshop action. The action works non-destructively and works best with landscape and nature photos.
Sunset Photoshop Action(Free)
Enhance your sunset photos or give any other photo a warm, golden glow. This action works best with nature and outdoors photography.
Free Special Effects Photoshop Actions
Create Tiny Planets Photoshop Action(Free)
Tiny planets are all the rage but creating them from scratch is not so easy. This Photoshop action will change that and allow you to transform any photo into your very own tiny planet.
Dust Storm Animation Photoshop Action(with Envato Elements)
Make your photos appear more dynamic with these Photoshop actions that come as a part of your Envato Elements subscription. The action works with Photoshop CC.
Brick Mosaics Photoshop Actions(Free)
Ever wanted to turn your photos into fun mosaics? Well, now you can with the help of this Photoshop action! The pack includes a total of 10 actions.
Anaglyph / Glitch Photo FX Actions(with Envato Elements)
This Photoshop action allows you to quickly and non-destructively apply a fun glitch effect to your photos. The actions are easy to use and include video instructions.
Pixelate Photoshop Actions(Free)
Similarly to the action above, this Photoshop action collection will pixelate your photos. Perfect for creating unique backgrounds. The collection also includes frame and border styles.
Dispersion Effect Photoshop Action(Free)
Try this Photoshop action if you want to produce a cool-looking effect. Make any photo appear as if though it’s dispersing. Play the action and make adjustments as necessary.
Comic Poster Photoshop Actions(Free)
Turn any photo into a comic poster by using the Comic Poster Photoshop action. The action works in Photoshop CS3 and newer as well as Photoshop CC editions.
Firestorm Photoshop Action(with Envato Elements)
Add an interesting effect to your portraits and make them appear as if though they are disintegrating into a giant firestorm. The action works in Photoshop CS4 and newer versions.
Glitch Effect PSD Photoshop Action Kit(Free)
This free Photoshop action will add a subtle glitch effect to your photos, making them mimic the look of old VHS tapes. The action works non-destructively and you can make adjustments.
Double Exposure Photoshop Actions(Free)
With this pack of Photoshop actions, you can easily recreate the double exposure effect without starting from scratch. The pack is compatible with Photoshop CS3 and newer versions.
Free HDR Effects Photoshop Actions
HDR Photoshop Action(Free)
Add a strong and bold HDR effect to your photos with the help of the HDR Photoshop action. The pack contains a non-destructive action so you can safely revert back if needed.
HDR Pro Photoshop Action(with Envato Elements)
Try this Photoshop action if you want to add a sharp look to your photos. The action supports Photoshop CS4 and newer versions and is applied non-destructively.
HDR Lightroom Preset & Photoshop Action(Free)
Use this Photoshop action to open up the dynamic range of your photo and apply a beautiful and bold effect. The action works with both Photoshop and Lightroom.
HDR Stock Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
This set of 18 different Photoshop actions will allow you to easily reproduce an HDR effect on any of your photos. The pack supports non-destructive editing.
HDR Photo Action(Free)
This beautiful Photoshop action will apply a stunning HDR effect to your photos. It works well with all kinds of photos, especially nature and outdoors photography.
Free Black & White Effects Photoshop Actions
Black & White Photo Actions(Free)
This set of Photoshop actions will allow you to turn your photos into black and white works of art. There are several actions included which allow you to turn photos more white, more black, give them a more faded look, and more.
Black White Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
This collection of Photoshop actions contains a total of 31 actions which are applied non-destructively and work exceptionally well with portrait photography.
Bold Black & White Photoshop Action(Free)
Turn photos to black and white and preserve those deep blacks with the help of this Photoshop action. The action works with Photoshop CS3 and newer.
Shifted B&W Photoshop Action(Free)
Turn your photos into black and white but with a hint of color. This produces a nice, vintage effect and makes your photos pop.
High Contrast Black & White Photoshop Action(Free)
If you want to apply high contrast to your photos and turn them to black and white, don’t miss out on this Photoshop action. It works with both Photoshop and Lightroom.
Free Matte Effect Photoshop Actions
Matte Photoshop Action(Free)
Apply a matte effect easily to your photos with the help of this Matte Photoshop action. The action is free and works both with Lightroom and Photoshop.
Matte Blogger Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
If you’re a blogger and want to make your photos have a matte look, try this Photoshop action. A great choice for fashion, travel, and lifestyle bloggers.
Matte Lightroom Preset & Photoshop Action(Free)
With the help of this free Photoshop action, you will be able to quickly and easily apply a subtle matte effect to your photos. The action comes as a Photoshop action and Lightroom preset.
Warm Matte Photoshop Action(Free)
This action will apply a warm matte look to your photos, making them appear retro and vintage. It works well with portraits, as well as landscape and nature photos.
Matte & Faded Photoshop Actions by Contrastly on Envato Elements(with Envato Elements)
This set of matte actions will not only add a matte effect but it will also fade out colors and produce an interesting effect. This action is perfect for nature and landscape photos.
Deep Matte Photoshop Action(Free)
If you’re looking for a deep matte look, be sure to give this action a try. It’s compatible with Photoshop CC and Lightroom CS4 and newer versions.
Vintage Matte Photoshop Action(Free)
The Vintage Matte Photoshop action will make it easy to add a nice vintage effect to your photos. The action supports non-destructive editing.
Free Light Leak Effects Photoshop Actions
Light & Bright Photoshop Action(Free)
Add a light and bright light leak to any photo with the help of the Photoshop actions in this pack. The action creates layers and supports non-destructive editing.
Light Leaks Bundle(with Envato Elements)
This Light Leaks bundle from Envato Elements contains 32 actions that will add various light leak effects to your photos. The collection works well with landscapes with bright scenes and even portraits.
Light Leak Photoshop Action(Free)
Add a subtly colored light leak effect to your photos. This action supports Photoshop CC and newer versions and is applied non-destructively.
Premium Looks Photoshop Actions(Free)
Add a touch of class to your portraits with the help of this Photoshop action. The action contains 5 different effects and 2 light leaks that can be combined for a unique look.
Free Filters For Photoshop
Free Golden Hour Photoshop Actions
Golden Hour Photoshop Action(Free)
Use this Photoshop action whenever you need to make a photo look like it was taken during the golden hour. It works well with cityscapes and nature photos.
The Golden Hour Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
Envato Elements brings you this set of 12 Photoshop actions that will produce various golden hour effects. The collection works great nature photos.
Golden Glow Photoshop Action(Free)
This Golden Glow action will lighten up the photo and give it a golden tint. Use it with landscape and nature photos and don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of photos as well.
Free Sketch & Pencil Effect Photoshop Actions
Pencil Drawing Photoshop Action(Free)
Make your photos appear sketched with the use of this Pencil Drawing Photoshop action. The action works non-destructively and produces a black and white sketch.
Pencil Sketch Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
This Photoshop action will turn any photo into a realistic black and white sketch. The set contains 15 unique actions which are applied non-destructively.
Sketch Photoshop Action(Free)
This set of Photoshop actions make it easy to apply the sketch effect with a single click. You can even adjust the result to your liking.
Sketching Photoshop Actions(Free)
Another set of sketching Photoshop actions that can be applied non-destructively and adjusted to your liking. This set is free for personal and commercial use.
Free Lomo Effects Photoshop Actions
Lomo Photoshop Action(Free)
Apply a lomo effect to your photos and make them appear as if though they were taken with a lomography camera. The action produces a fun vintage effect.
Lomographist Photoshop Actions(with Envato Elements)
With the help of these 10 Photoshop actions, you’ll quickly make your photos appear vintage. This set of actions is compatible with Photoshop CS4 and newer.
Lomo-Inspired Effects Photoshop Actions(Free)
The Lomo-Inspired Photoshop action applies a retro effect that works well with a wide variety of photos. It’s a great way to add a fun, toy camera effect.
Finished
You’re a creative talent. The last thing you probably want is to be stuck performing the same task a hundred times on different images. These Photoshop Actions are for you. With Photoshop Actions, a set of otherwise repetitive tasks can be applied automatically, freeing you up for the real work: being creative.
Related Posts
How can you use Photoshop filters? All Photoshop filters are photo effects or settings that you can apply to change the way a photograph or design looks. This tutorial provides you with a foundation for working with Adobe Photoshop filter effects and download 30 free Photoshop filters to enhance photos right now.
30 Free Photoshop Filters for Beginners
If you’re looking for useful Photoshop filters for wedding, holiday, baby, and portrait photography, you should definitely download these 30 free universal Photoshop plug-ins to make photos pop in several clicks.
1. Free Winter Holidays Photoshop Filter - Hot Chocolate
A perfect Photoshop filter for outdoor baby photo. Makes your photo brighter, correct white balance, and add warm tones in white areas.
2. Free Double Exposure Photoshop Filter - Dispersion Effect
Together with several Photoshop brushes you can create a surreal dispersion effect. Perfect Photoshop filter for fashion studio photos.
3. Free Wedding Portrait Photoshop Filter
The most universal free Photoshop filter to remove yellow tints from your wedding photos. Makes abride’sdreespurelywhite. Add cool blue tones.
4. Classic Whitening Teeth
A must-have filter for portrait photo editing to make teeth whiter in Photoshop. Get a Hollywood smile in several clicks.
5. Free Winter Photoshop Filter- Elf House
Highly recommended for winter photos taken in poor lighting conditions. Makes photos bright and sharp, remove greenish tints. You can use bonus Photoshop snow brushes to add falling snow and make it romantic.
6. Free Double Exposure Filter – Imposition
This double exposure Photoshop filter is not only easy to use but it will also make the effect look as if it’s done by a professional Photoshop user. Highly recommended for studio photos to make creative photo editing.
7. Eyes - Color POP
This free Photoshop filter makes eyes colorful and voluminous. Good for close portrait photographs.
8. Free Winter Photoshop Filter - Warm Cacao
Use this Photoshop filter if you need to add warm hues and contrast. Having download this photo editing freebie, you receive snow brushes to add magic to your photos.
9. Free Portrait Filter – HighLights
This filter works like a Photoshop brush and adds volume by brightening light areas. A perfect variant for the photos taken with flash.
10. Free Wedding Photoshop Filter - Wedding Soft Contrast
This wedding Photoshop filter is universal and brightens/adds contrast to your photos. You can use it for outdoor couple photos.
11. Free Black & White Double Exposure Photoshop Filter
It is a basic double expose effect in black and white. If you like dramatic photos, this filter is what you need!
12. Free Wedding Photoshop Filter- Matte Effect
What about matte effects on your weeding images? Download this Photoshop plug-in for free and make all bride and groom’s photos look pop and sweet.
13. Portrait Filter – Burn
This free action works like a Photoshop brush making portrait photos volume. Highly recommended for close portraits with blurred background.
14. Double Exposure – Lomo
Create this stylish double exposure with this free Photoshop action. It makes super easy to create double exposures in a variety of styles.
15. Free Winter Holidays Photoshop Filter - Christmas Tree
Adds contrast and dark brown shades. A perfect choice for editing photos taken in the woods.
16. Change Iris to Green
This Photoshop filter replaces eye color to green. Nevertheless, you may always change to another color.
17. Free Winter Photoshop Filter – Blizzard
Makes winter photossharper and saturated, adds warm shades. Snow brushes are attached.
18. Free Wedding Photoshop Filter – Creamy
This Photoshop action adds cream shades and makes your wedding or portrait photo brighter. Whites become really white.
19. Photoshop Filter - Winter Tale
This free Photoshop filter adds contrast and cool shades, removes redness. You can also use snow Photoshop brushes that are attached.
Adobe Photoshop Filters
20. Winter Photoshop Filter - New Year's Toy
Removes shades from white areas, adds contrast and brown shades. Snow brushes are attached to add a falling snow on the background.
21. Cutout Photoshop Filter
This action is of vital importance for those, who want to create an illusion of roughly cut-out pieces of bright paper. From my point of view, it is better to use it to produce the images in the style of Andy Warhol. You will notice photos with high contrast being transformed into silhouettes. At the same time, any colored picture will seem as it is built up from colorful paper.
22. Dry Brush
If you prefer to use a photo filter Photoshop to imitate different types of painting, you will really like this one. It adds an illusion of a piece of art created with a dry brush method. It’s something between oil and watercolor painting. Speaking of how it works, the action just simplifies a picture by reducing its range of colors.
23. Film Grain Photoshop Filter
The most favorite filter in Photoshop for users who prefer grain. It adds a smooth pattern to the lighter parts of the photograph. I highly recommend it for monochrome images of high contrast. Applying this action, you can achieve an impressive atmosphere in a shot.
24. Fresco Photoshop Filter
Similar to the Dry Brush action, this Adobe Photoshop filter helps to create something similar to fresco. This style of painting art has become very widespread during the Renaissance. In the edited photo, you can see lots of little dabs, so it is darker than the first one.
25. Neon Glow Photoshop Filter
One of the most famous photography filters Photoshop will be helpful for colorizing a photo while softening it.
26. Paint Daubs Photoshop Filter
This magnificent oil painting effect makes an ordinary photo look like a masterpiece of the World’s Art. Pay your attention to it, if you want to “save” your work.
27. Palette Knife Photoshop Filter
While reducing details, this filter adds an effect of a nicely painted canvas with a hidden texture.
28. Plastic Wrap Photoshop Filter
This modern filter makes a photo look like it consists of colored plastic with an uneven texture. It’s a bad idea to apply this action to portraits. You should use it with landscapes, cityscapes and pictures of different objects. It transforms a photo by adding monochrome highlight and dark shadows.
29. Poster Edges Photoshop Filter
One of the most admirable Photoshop filters among modern photographers. This action reduces the number of colors and adds dark lines to the edges of pictures. It will be suitable for layout editing.
30. Rough Pastels Photoshop Filter
If you wish to make a photograph look as if it was painted with rough strokes of pastel chalk on a textured background, you should apply this filter. You can notice that in the sections of intense color, the chalk appears thick with little texture, while in darker areas, it creates the rough texture.
All filters mentioned in this review are created to help amateurs and inexperienced photographers to make their imagery look better. Using these actions, you will be able to master the complex photo editing only in several minutes. I encourage you to develop your artistic skills, built a professionally looking and diversified portfolio with these excellent filters that are available for all PS users.
Read about 20 cheap and FREE Photoshop alternatives that has almost the same functions.
How to Add Filter in Photoshop?
How to install a filter and where to find it afterward? A number of plugins come with an installer with a step-by-step guide. What to do if the filters didn't show up? How to install them correctly? Actually, it is a piece of cake! Just paste the necessary file into the Plug-Ins folder.
The folder with Photoshop plugins for photographers is usually found in Program Files if you have Windows. If it's a Mac computer, look in the Applications folder. In case you have chosen another location while installing the program, search for the folder there.
- Start Photoshop.
- Find Edit from the drop-down menu.
- Go to Preferences > Plugins.
- Check the 'Additional Plugins Folder' box to approve new files.
- Download a filter or plugin to a computer.
- Open Program Files folder and find Photoshop folder.
- In the Photoshop folder, locate the Plugins folder and open it.
- Move a necessary plugin into the Plugins folder.
- Restart Photoshop.
Before you install new Photoshop filters, don't forget to close the program. With the new opening, the program registers the installed resources. Until you reopen Photoshop, you won't be able to use newly added filters. When you start the program anew, you can access the plugins in the Filter menu.
Read this article about how to download Photoshop free legally, fast, and without lags and viruses.
Where to Find Photo Filters in Photoshop?
Users of the most popular photo editor have at least 3 variants of getting to the main menu of Photoshop filters.
Firstly, you click on Filter>, after that select the Photoshop filter that you need. You will see the series of options with the newest ones and those you have already used. The newest ones are typically located at the bottom.
Secondly, you click on Windows>Effects. Then, you will notice the panel on the right area of the monitor. Just click the button “Filters” to choose the needed type of free Photoshop filters.
When you find the best choice for your image, you should click twice to use it.
When you find the best choice for your image, you should click twice to use it.
The final way is my favorite variant. As for me, it’s easy and convenient. The most important reason is that the user receives enough flexibility. So, he/she is able to choose several photo filters Photoshop, and even change their design. If you want to make the process faster, I advise you to resort to the gallery of Photoshop filter effects.
This way, you will be able to examine previews of different popular and original effects. It’s simple to choose multiple filters, enable or disable a particular effect, alter the settings and do other corrections. In case, the preview looks appealing and suitable for your purposes, you are welcome to click and see how the effect transforms your photo. But you should remember that there are some free filters for Photoshop that you won’t be able to see in this menu. If you open the Gallery, you will see the option of editing. Click on it to add a selected filter to the list.
How to Use Filters in Photoshop?
There are 2 primary options for using Photoshop photography filters. The user is able to edit the entire layer or only a special area of it. Talking about ways of applying these effects, they are the mentioned gallery and a single dialog. A small part of the photo filters for Photoshop is available on the side menu. You can just select the name from the list and apply the effect.
There is a certain sequence of actions that help me to work with Adobe Photoshop filters in a proper way. In the beginning, I transform the photo layer into a Smart Object. This is the earliest step, which helps me to protect the layer from altering. After using this plugin with the Smart Object tool, it transforms into a nondestructive Smart Filter. It’s an ordinary filter with a connection to a smart object, which is actually a virtual packet that protects the layer inside it. It can be applied not only to one layer but to several of them or to the whole photo. To do this, you need to click the 'File' menu and select 'Open as Smart Object'. When it is necessary to create a Smart Object from a particular part of the layer, simply select it, open the main 'Layer' menu, look for 'Smart Object' submenu and afterward choose 'Convert to Smart Object'. It’s an interesting fact that during the conversion of a PDF document into an image in PS, the Smart Object is applied automatically. If you want to change the result, it would be a good idea to correct settings in the Layers panel.
Initially, Smart Filters appeared as the free Photoshop photo filters in the CS3 version. They give an opportunity to edit any layer non-destructively. I want to say that this type of Photoshop free filtersdoesn’t influence the pixels in a layer. So, they are very flexible and open a wide range of interesting opportunities. Some of them I list here:
- Mask off some areas of a Smart Filter without efforts. I really enjoy this useful option. As every layer has a special mask, the user is able to hide any section of a Photoshop filter effect in the picture by drawing on the mask.
- Switch on and switch off. You may remember that any stable Photoshop photo filter gives you a lasting effect, while a Smart Filter provides an easily changeable result. It’s not difficult to analyze the edited and raw photographs by switching the filter.
- Make experiments by implementing blending options to Smart Filters. There is an opportunity to connect a Smart Filter with a particular blend mode. As for me, this manipulation helps to discover some creative variants of using the Photoshop image filters.
- Take a break to change the Smart Filter's settings whenever you want. As filters of this type are quite varying, you won’t face any problems in a case you need to edit a Photoshop filter free. It doesn't matter whether you want to make an effect more eye-catching, or vice versa, softer. You'll need to do no more than two clicks.
What Are Basic Photo Filters for Photoshop?
Photoshop filters are also called plug-ins, you may freely install or delete them. Photoshop image filters are defined as separate specific sets of adjustments that are used to change photos. With such filters, you may apply artistic effects, enhance a picture using creative lighting effects or unbelievable distortions. Besides, you may simply perform basic photo retouching and improve image quality. The intensity of picture transformation depends on a type of filters and adjustments you select.
Categories of Photoshop filters
- Destructive Filters are for users, who appreciate outstanding and unimaginable photo effects. Among these free Photoshop filters, you can find brush strokes, lights, mosaics and textures. Bring in the distortion into a picture by applying cool photo effects with spheres, ripples and waves.
- Corrective Filters are aimed at the color adjustment, increasing the focus and sharpening of images and removing unnecessary elements such as lint or dust.
Among these best Photoshop filters, you will find lens correction, blurring, rendering for lighting effects and noise elimination.
Professional Photoshop Actions for Beginning Photo Retouchers
1. Distort Filters
When you need to change the shape of an object in a shot or create a 3D effect, these photo filters Photoshop will come in handy. Click on the Filter Gallery to look for the Ocean Ripple, Diffuse Glow and Glass filters. Remember that they might take up a decent amount of memory.
2. Blurring
Apply this filter for Photoshop when you need to put an emphasis on a particular area of a picture or to conceal the imperfections. A photo editor is likely to feature a blurring effect if a sharpening filter is available. The function of the filter is to diminish contrast amid the adjoining pixels in the selected area. Moreover, you are free to use it to develop artful effects. It can be found in the same menu as a sharpening filter.
3. Render Filters
These filters are used mainly to create all sorts of 3D objects, for instance, geometrical shapes as cylinders, cubes or spheres. With the assistance of such Photoshop free filters, you will be able to add refraction and cloud patterns to a photo. In addition, you may produce light reflections by creating texture fills from grayscale files without any difficulties.
4. Noise Reduction
If you need to eliminate noise in a shot, this filter Photoshop is spot-on. It is recommended to apply it to the pictures taken with high ISO settings. For your convenience, the filter comes with the function to add noise in order to achieve a grain effect in a photo.
5. Stylize Filters
These are the most relevant Photoshop filters for portraits that are aimed at creating an artistic effect in a shot. Their function is to increase contrast and transport pixels within a selected area. When you need to highlight the edges, I advise you to apply the Trace Contour and Find Edges filters. The next step is to outline the edges of a necessary area with white or colorful lines by applying the Invert function.
6. Sharpening
You may significantly improve the quality of a photo, as if it was taken with a professional lens, by applying this filter in a proper way. The Unsharp Masking filter is the most widespread one because it allows you to be considerably in control of a sharpening function. Thanks to this free filter for Photoshop, you may intensify the contrast along the edges. The main secret of successful sharpening is to reduce the over- and under-shoots that produce halos meanwhile keeping up the balance between emphasizing edges.
Don’t have time to edit photo in Photoshop on your own? Address FixThePhoto, the best outsource image editing service for photographers. Affordable, fast, and of high quality photo manipulation services.
7. Video Filters
These Photoshop filters are developed exclusively for video post production. Use them to eliminate moving elements or unnecessary lines. They are also suitable for such tasks as narrowing the color space to make it adequate for television reproduction and avoiding the bleeding of oversaturated colors across scan lines.