Creating custom frames in Photoshop is straightforward and offers many possibilities. You can use the built-in Frame tool for simple rectangular or elliptical frames, or leverage shape layers for more complex designs. This guide will show you both methods.
Method 1: Using the Frame Tool for Simple Frames
This method is ideal for quickly creating rectangular or elliptical frames.
- Select the Frame Tool: Choose the Frame Tool (shortcut: 'K') from the Photoshop Tools panel.
- Choose Frame Type: In the options bar, select either "Rectangular Frame" or "Elliptical Frame".
- Draw the Frame: On your canvas, click and drag to create a frame of the desired size and shape. This will automatically mask an existing image within the frame's boundaries. This is described in this Adobe Help article.
Method 2: Creating Custom Shapes as Frames
This method allows for significantly more creative control, enabling you to use any shape as a frame.
- Create Your Shape: Use the Shape tools (Rectangle, Ellipse, Polygon, etc.) to draw your desired frame shape on a new layer.
- Convert to Smart Object (Optional but Recommended): Right-click the shape layer and select "Convert to Smart Object". This allows for non-destructive editing.
- Add Your Image: Place your image as a layer below the shape layer.
- Use a Clipping Mask: Right-click the image layer and select "Create Clipping Mask". This masks the image to the shape of the frame. This technique is highlighted in this YouTube tutorial showing how to turn shapes and selections into frames. Note that you can also create any shape you want with the pen tool and use the same masking technique.
- Refine (Optional): Add details, like drop shadows or inner glows, to enhance the frame's appearance. For decorative frames, see this PhotoBlogStop article for more advanced techniques.
Creating Frames for Canva (and Similar Applications):
You can also create custom frames in Photoshop specifically for use in other applications like Canva. Numerous YouTube tutorials explain this, such as this video. The process involves creating your frame in Photoshop as described above and then exporting it as an image file to import into Canva.
