Create a Moon in Photoshop

June 29, 2008 · Print This Article

This Create a Moon in Photoshop Tutorial will simply explain how to create a moon.

Sometimes the simplest of things can be tricky - in this tutorial I’m going to take you through the basic steps of creating a moon shape in photoshop. It’s not hard at all and moon shapes can be useful for all types of things.

Once you know how to create a moon you can try out different things and add more interest to it.

Feel free to request something similar to this Create a Moon in Photoshop Tutorial.

Result

Image from LTYTutorials.com

Create A Moon in Photoshop - The Steps

I suggest you start with a blank, white canvas. To get one just go -> File -> New and select pixels & then 500×500.

Only do this if your canvas is anything but white. Make sure your canvas is white, but if not then go -> Layer -> New Fill Layer -> Solid Color… when the small box appears just hit OK, another one will appear afterwards, select white then hit OK again.

Now press the letter U on your keyboard, on the left hand side you’ll see your tools bar. This is mine . Then to select the right shape, look just below your file, edit, image tool bar and you should see this. Change everything so that your settings match my own.

Now go to your white canvas, click on the canvas and you’ll see a circle shape, keep dragging + holding down until you have the size you want. Then when you have what you want, release (stop holding your mouse down) and you’ll have a nice black shape. Here is mine.

Now duplicate the shape layer. To do this press CTRL (win) Command (mac) + J then select your Move Tool (press V) and then click on your shape and drag it away from the other one.

Now go to your layers palette and double click on the coloured bit of your top shape layer. If you do it right a box will pop up and you’ll be able to change the colour of it. Assuming it does change the colour to white.

As you drag it you’ll see that the black bit makes a moon shape - just fiddle around and move it until you’re happy.

Once you’ve got your desired look go -> Layer -> Merge Visible and then go -> Edit -> Define Brush Preset…

You’ve not just made a moon shape and made it into a brush - by making it into a brush it’s easier to use on other things. If you have any questions regarding this Create a Moon in Photoshop Tutorial then just drop me a line in the below comment box. I’ll happily reply.