Easily Create Colorful Image Backgrounds in Adobe Photoshop

Name: Easily Create Colorful Image Backgrounds in Adobe Photoshop
Rating: 4.7 (19 reviews)

Create eye-catching & colorful backgrounds using pixel drag technique for social media, banners, brochures & websites

Created byTim Wilson

Last updated 5/2025

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Use Adobe Photoshop's amazing cut-out tools
Use single column pixel selections
Work with Layer Stretching and Layer Warping
Use Polar Coordinates
Use Brushes
Use Layer Masks
Add cool effects like Drop Shadow
Understand Layer Blend Modes
Learn how to export your work as both layered Photoshop files and ready-to-share JPGs

Course content

3 sections • 12 lectures • 39m total length

Warping Pixel Stretch Layers Intro2:57
Learn to quickly select a subject in Photoshop using AI tools, apply layer masks or copy-paste, and crop a square 1:1 composition to create vibrant image backgrounds.
Make the Color Trail with a Single Column2:46
Use column marquee tool to select a row of pixels and copy-paste to create a color trail. Scale with middle handles while holding shift, then convert to a smart object.
Warp the Shape2:03
Learn to warp shapes in Photoshop by applying edit, transform, warp, adjust handles for creative bending, and refine with smart objects.
Create a Color Background3:47
Sample foreground and background colors, apply a gradient via an adjustment layer (linear or radial), then export a 1080 by 1080 JPEG for Instagram.
Add Shadows & Highlights to Make Shape Look 3D8:54
Show how to add shadows and highlights in Photoshop to create a dimensional look by painting on new layers, using layer masks, clipping masks, and multiply or soft light blending.
Add a Shadow2:25
Add a drop shadow to the subject, convert it to its own layer, distort and position it beneath her, then erase excess areas and adjust opacity for a grounded look.

Get Image for Circle Pixel Drag1:30
Open a donor image from Adobe Stock, use object selection tool to select subject, then add a layer mask to non-destructively separate her from background using layers panel.
Make the Pixel Drag Circle4:04
Learn to create a round pixel drag circle in photoshop using the single column marquee tool with subtract, on layer, then copy, paste, scale with shift, and apply polar coordinates.
Make a Gradient Background2:00
Choose and blend foreground and background colors to create a radial gradient using an adjustment layer, adjust scale and alignment, then place the subject above the shape for a background.
Add to the Layer Mask to Hide Leg1:59
Use the layer mask to hide the leg by selecting the circle shape on the layer, switching to the mask, and painting with black to conceal the area.
Drop Shadow, Clean Up Hair Cut-Out & Outro5:59
Apply a drop shadow, adjust opacity and distance, convert it to a separate layer, refine hair edges with select and mask; decontaminate colors, and export as jpeg or png.

Requirements

A basic knowledge of Photoshop is helpful but not essential

Description

If you’re looking to create fun, eye-catching, and easy to create background for people for your Posters, Adverts, Banners, Birthday Cards, Children’s Wall Designs, Websites or Social Media Posts, these professional techniques will make your work really pop!

Hi, I'm Tim!

I’m an Adobe Certified Instructor and Expert, and I work as a designer based in London.

In this short and enjoyable free class, I’ll gently take you through 2 tutorials showing you how to create a playful color trail using Adobe Photoshop's Pixel Stretch technique. Using the powerful AI cut-out tools we'll then cut out people, add shadows and highlights creating a brilliant 3D looking image — all in a way that’s both fun and beginner-friendly.

Whether you want to jazz up a birthday card, create unique posters or adverts, or design cool social media posts and banners, this course will give you the skills to make it happen.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:

Use Adobe Photoshop's amazing cut-out tools
Use single column pixel selections
Work with Layer Stretching and Layer Warping
Use Polar Coordinates
Use Brushes
Use Layer Masks
Add cool effects like Drop Shadow
Understand Layer Blend Modes
Export your work as both layered Photoshop files and ready-to-share JPGs

All lessons are delivered in short, bite-sized videos that are easy to follow. Even if you’ve never used Photoshop before, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the process.

If you'd like to know more about Photoshop please do check out my Non-Scary Beginner Friendly Adobe Photoshop Course in my profile!

There are resource which are in the intro video section.

So whether you’re making something for websites, children’s room décor, or your next big celebration, let’s make it fun, creative, and totally enjoyable!

Let’s get started!

If you would like to know more about Photoshop, check out my Non-Scary Beginner Friendly Adobe Photoshop Including the Powerful New AI Features.

Don’t forget to share your work—I love seeing what you create!

Who this course is for:

Anyone new to Photoshop or those with skills wanting up to update them, learn new tips and new features of the latest update.
Photoshop on the iPad users wanting to translate their skills to desktop
Those wanting to dip into a short course!

Easily Create Colorful Image Backgrounds in Adobe Photoshop

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction6 lectures • 23min

Project: Try Out a Variation & Use Blends1 lecture • 1min

Using Pixel Stretches for Circles5 lectures • 16min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: