Reflections in Photoshop Tutorial, graphics and text

In this tutorial I’m going to show you how to create a reflection in Photoshop. This is more of a graphic design trick that has been used a lot lately for things like logos, text and modern design. If you want to do a reflection on Photographs, check out this tutorial instead

Step 1

Start with a gradient. Tip: To constrain the gradient to 90 degrees hold down the shift key.

Step 2

Add your text or image

Step 3

Make a copy of the text by dragging to the new layer icon (or pressing Ctrl/Cmd+J)

On the copy go into free transform by pressing Ctr/Cmd+T.

Left click >Flip Vertical.

Drag the copy beneath the original, so that it looks reflected

Step 4

Add a layer mask to the reflected copy and drag with a black to white gradient. (See the Gradient masking technique here)

Experiment with different starting and end point on the gradient for different results.

Step 5

You should now have something that resembles this, for a sharp reflection.

Extra Credit, softer reflection

There are times when you want the reflection to be a bit softer, this simulated a different kind of surface that you are reflecting onto.

Choose Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur

You will have the option to convert to a Smart Object. Accept this option.

Apply a small amount of blur to the reflection to suit your tastes

Here is the softer result.

Follow along for more tips

Recommended for this tutorial

Photoshop Compositing: Sky City Project. Photoshop 2026

Build a complete composite from start to finish and learn the techniques behind it.

$39.99 · one-time purchase · instant download

View the course See all courses

Free for you

The Photoshop Vault

Get my free Layer Blending Modes ebook along with dozens of exclusive Photoshop goodies: actions, brushes, presets and cheat sheets.

You're on the list, so your free goodies are waiting for you in the Vault.

Get Free Photoshop Goodies Open the Vault

Plastic Engraved type in Photoshop Photoshop Tutorial

How to embed type in photoshop. Heres a tutorial that will how you how to carve your mark. This is so simple... Read tutorial →

Chrome text in Photoshop Tutorial

The essential chrome effect, don't leave home without it. This works on any object, not just text. Learn how to create chrome... Read tutorial →

Reflective Liquid type Photoshop Tutorial

Tutorials on creating metal type abound online, as do variations on simple liquid effects. Most are fairly short, offering a good foundation... Read tutorial →

How to make re-usable graffiti in Photoshop tutorial

Time to tag your images in Photoshop, here's the tutorial on creating reusable graffiti in Photoshop. Read tutorial →

Original Gangsta bling diamonds Photoshop Tutorial

This is the original Tutorial on this rap diamond effect, there have been many rips of it in other places. (imitation is... Read tutorial →

Make a cone in Photoshop Photoshop Tutorial

Primatives are the building blocks of 3D. You can create cones in Photoshop to look like they have lots of depth. These... Read tutorial →