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.

Get in-the-know!

CS6 Superguide

Join our list to receive more tutorials and tips on Photoshop. Get exclusive tutorials, discounts and the free super guides. No spam, all content, no more than once a week.
If you’re on our list, you will receive it free by email as soon as it’s available. If not, sign up now and get the CS6 Superguide for free. Or click the image below.