Add Neon Signs to Your Photos Like a Pro: Adobe Photoshop Tutorial

Updated at: 21/06/2025

Want to add a vibrant, eye-catching neon glow to your photos? This Adobe Photoshop tutorial shows you exactly how! Learn to create realistic neon signs from scratch, mastering techniques like layer styles, blending modes, and custom brushes. Transform ordinary images into electrifying masterpieces. Whether you're a beginner or experienced editor, this step-by-step guide will illuminate your photo editing skills. Let's get glowing!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Image Preparation

    • Import your picture into Adobe Photoshop.
    • Darken the picture using a Brightness/Contrast adjustment layer. Reduce brightness and increase contrast to achieve a nighttime or dawn-like effect.
    • Cool down the picture's color temperature using a Photo Filter adjustment layer (Cooling Filter 82).
    Cool down the picture's color temperature using a Photo Filter adjustment layer (Cooling Filter 82). Cool down the picture's color temperature using a Photo Filter adjustment layer (Cooling Filter 82).
    Image Preparation

  2. Create Neon Gate

    • Create a new layer for the main gate. Use the Pencil tool (shift-click and drag) to create a straight line for the gate.
    • Use the Brush tool to add a white stroke to the gate line using the Stroke Path option.
    • Duplicate the gate layer and rename it 'Outer Glow'.
    • Add an outer glow to the main gate layer using blending options. Choose a red or pink color for the glow.
    Add an outer glow to the main gate layer using blending options. Choose a red or pink color for the glow. Add an outer glow to the main gate layer using blending options. Choose a red or pink color for the glow.
    Create Neon Gate
    • Add a larger outer glow to the 'Outer Glow' layer for a softer effect.
    • Apply a Gaussian blur to both the main gate and outer glow layers to soften the edges and blend them with the background.
    Apply a Gaussian blur to both the main gate and outer glow layers to soften the edges and blend them with the background.
    Create Neon Gate

  3. Create Gate Base

    • Create a new layer for the bottom of the gate. Use the Brush tool with a large, soft brush (hardness 0) and white color to add a point where the gate meets the ground.
    • Add an outer glow to the bottom point layer using blending options, similar to the gate.
    • Use Free Transform to adjust the perspective of the bottom point layers to match the ground.
    • Use a layer mask to erase portions of the bottom glow that would be obscured by objects in the foreground.
    Use a layer mask to erase portions of the bottom glow that would be obscured by objects in the foreground. Use a layer mask to erase portions of the bottom glow that would be obscured by objects in the foreground. Use a layer mask to erase portions of the bottom glow that would be obscured by objects in the foreground. Use a layer mask to erase portions of the bottom glow that would be obscured by objects in the foreground.
    Create Gate Base

  4. Create Neon Text

    • Create a new layer for the text. Use the Text tool to add your desired text in white.
    • Add an outer glow to the text layer using blending options, similar to the gate and bottom point layers.
    • Duplicate the text layer and apply a Gaussian blur to both text layers to soften the edges.
    Duplicate the text layer and apply a Gaussian blur to both text layers to soften the edges. Duplicate the text layer and apply a Gaussian blur to both text layers to soften the edges. Duplicate the text layer and apply a Gaussian blur to both text layers to soften the edges.
    Create Neon Text

  5. Add Realistic Glow

    • Add a Gradient Map adjustment layer to create a red glow effect on the subject and surrounding areas. Use a layer mask to control where the glow appears, carefully avoiding areas where the light wouldn't naturally reflect.
    • Adjust opacity of the gradient map layer to fine-tune the intensity of the glow.
    Adjust opacity of the gradient map layer to fine-tune the intensity of the glow. Adjust opacity of the gradient map layer to fine-tune the intensity of the glow.
    Add Realistic Glow

  6. Export Final Image

    • Export the image in your desired format.
    Export the image in your desired format.
    Export Final Image
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Tips

  • Experiment with different colors for the neon glow to find the perfect look for your image.
  • Use layer masks to precisely control where the glow appears, ensuring a realistic effect.
  • Adjust the opacity of layers to fine-tune the intensity of the glow and blend it seamlessly with the background.
  • Use a variety of brush sizes and opacities to create a soft, natural-looking glow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overly Bright or Harsh Neon

Reason: Using a brightness/contrast adjustment that's too strong, resulting in a neon effect that looks unnatural and jarring.
Solution: Reduce the brightness and/or contrast of the neon layer and experiment with blending modes for a softer, more integrated look.

2. Unrealistic Glow or Blur

Reason: Applying too much Gaussian blur or other blur effects, making the neon look unrealistic and diffuse.
Solution: Use a more precise blur technique, like a selective Gaussian blur or a more subtle outer glow effect for a more controlled glow.

3. Incorrect Color Choice or Saturation

Reason: Choosing neon colors that clash with the photo's overall palette or using overly saturated colors resulting in a visually displeasing effect.
Solution: Select colors that complement the photo's existing colors and reduce saturation slightly to prevent the neon from overpowering the image.

FAQs

What Photoshop skills do I need to follow this tutorial?
Basic Photoshop knowledge is helpful, but this tutorial is designed to be beginner-friendly. We'll cover each step in detail, explaining the tools and techniques used.
Can I use this technique with any type of photo?
Yes! The techniques work best with images that have a clear background or areas where you want the neon sign to stand out. However, you can adapt the techniques for different image types.
Where can I find free neon sign brushes or textures to use?
Many websites offer free Photoshop brushes and textures. A quick search on sites like DeviantArt or Brusheezy will yield many results. Remember to check the license before using any assets.