Photoshop: Quickest Way to Create a Paper MONEY Engraving Effect.

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to transform a photo into a paper money engraving effect using Photoshop CC 2024. This effect mimics the intricate designs seen on currency notes, adding a unique artistic flair to your images. Follow the steps below to create your own stunning engraving effect.

Step 1: Prepare Your Image

• Open the photo you want to use.
• Check the size by pressing Ctrl + Alt + I (Windows) or Cmd + Option + I (Mac), or navigate to Image > Image Size.
• Set the width to approximately 2000 pixels and the resolution to 150 pixels/inch. The height can be adjusted as needed.
• Ensure Resample is checked and select Preserve Details 2.0. Click OK.

Step 2: Convert to Smart Object

• Click the Adjustment Layer icon and select Black & White.
• Convert your image into a Smart Object for non-destructive editing:
  • Shift-click the bottom layer to make it active.
  • Click the icon in the upper right and select Convert to Smart Object.

Step 3: Create a Gray Fill Layer

• Create a new layer by clicking the New Layer icon.
• Fill this new layer with 50% gray:
  • Press Shift + F5 or go to Edit > Fill.
  • In the Contents dropdown, select 50% Gray.
• Convert this layer into a Smart Object as well.

Step 4: Set Foreground and Background Colors

• Press D on your keyboard to reset the foreground and background colors to default (black and white).
• If needed, press X to switch them.

Step 5: Apply Sketch Filters

• Go to Filter > Filter Gallery.
• Open the Sketch folder and select Halftone Pattern:
  • Set Size to 4, Contrast to 0, and Pattern Type to Dot.
• Click the plus icon to duplicate the filter, then select Torn Edges:
  • Set Image Balance to 25, Smoothness to 1, and Contrast to 1.
• Go to Filter > Distort > Twirl and set the angle to 100.
• Change the Blend Mode of this layer to Hard Mix.

Step 6: Resize the Document

• To adjust the texture size, go to Image > Image Size.
• Change the pixels to “Percent” and ensure the chain-link icon is active.
• Type 200 in either the width or height field to double the document size.
• Press Ctrl/Cmd + 0 to fit the image onto the canvas.

Step 7: Adjust Shadows and Highlights

• Make your subject layer active.
• Navigate to Image > Adjustments > Shadows/Highlights.
• Adjust the Shadows amount slider; the default is 35%, but feel free to customize based on your image's needs.

Step 8: Colorize the Image

• With the top layer active, click the Adjustment Layer icon and select Solid Color.
• Enter the hexadecimal color code #0E3D00 or choose your desired dark color.
• Change the Blend Mode to Screen.

Step 9: Resize the Subject

• Make your subject active and open the Transform Tool by pressing Ctrl/Cmd + T.
• If prompted about filters being turned off, click OK.
• Ensure the chain-link icon is active between the width and height.
• Drag the sliders to increase the size of your subject as desired and reposition it.
• Click the checkmark to confirm the transformation.

Conclusion

You have successfully created a paper money engraving effect in Photoshop. Experiment with different images and color choices to further personalize your projects. Continue exploring other techniques to enhance your Photoshop skills!