Unlike Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop doesn't have a dedicated perspective grid tool. So if you want to create a perspective grid in Photoshop, you need to use a special brush or set up the Shape tool in a very specific way.
In this tutorial, I'll show you how to create a perspective grid in Photoshop that you can turn into a brush or a custom shape for future use!
Prefer video tutorials? Then don't miss this new design video tutorial by Abbey Esparza from the Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel. Learn everything you need to know about drawing perspective grids in Photoshop:
What You'll Learn in This Photoshop Perspective Grid Tutorial
- How to draw a perspective grid in Photoshop
- How to create a perspective grid Photoshop brush
- How to create a vector perspective grid
- How to draw a one-point perspective grid in Photoshop
- How to draw a 2-point perspective grid in Photoshop
- How to use a vanishing point in Photoshop
1. How to Create a Perspective Grid in Photoshop
Step 1
Let's start this Photoshop perspective grid tutorial. Open the software and create a New File. Use the 5000 x 5000 px for the dimensions, and keep the background white.
Step 2
Open the Shape Tool menu in the toolbar, and select the Polygon Tool.
Step 3
Set the Mode to Shape, Fill and Stroke to black, and make the Stroke 1 px thick.
Step 4
Now click anywhere in the canvas—a new window should appear. Adjust the settings the following way:
- Set Width and Height to 5000 px
- Set Number of Sides to 100
- Set Star Ratio to 1%
- Check From Center
Step 5
A nice one-point perspective grid in Photoshop should appear! Select both layers now with the Shift key, take the Move Tool (V) and Align Horizontal and Vertical Center to properly position the grid.
2. How to Create a Perspective Grid Photoshop Brush
Step 1
You could create the grid this way every time you need it, but it's easier to turn it into a perspective grid Photoshop brush, or simply a custom shape. To turn it into a brush, simply go to Edit > Define Brush Preset and give it a name.
Step 2
Then you can create your perspective grid just by clicking on the canvas. However, this grid can't be resized on the fly to a size bigger than 5000 px. You can resize it after drawing it, but it's raster, so it will come with a loss of quality.
Step 3
The second method of drawing perspective grids is to turn the grid into a custom shape. To do this, select the layer with the grid and choose the Polygon Tool (U). Then go to Edit > Define Custom Shape and give it a name.
Step 4
Your perspective grid is now available on the Custom Shape tool's list of shapes.
Step 5
In the Path Options, check From Center—it will make it easier to place the vanishing point where you want it to be. Check Defined Proportions as well, to keep the grid symmetrical.
Step 6
Now you can just draw the grid by clicking and dragging.
3. Drawing Perspective in Photoshop
Step 1
Once you have your grid tools, all you need to do is decide the location of the horizon and the vanishing points in Photoshop. You can draw the horizon using the Line Tool (U) from the Shape Tool menu. Use the same settings as before, and set the Weight to 1 px.
Step 2
Now we'll see how to use a vanishing point in Photoshop. To create a one-point perspective grid in Photoshop, place your vanishing point right in the center. You don't have to be precise—after drawing the grid, you can take the Move Tool (V) and use the arrow keys to nudge the grid into the right place.
Step 3
To create a 2-point perspective grid, place two vanishing points on your horizon. It's good to keep them far away from each other.
Good Job!
Now you know how to create a perspective grid in Photoshop, both in the 1-point and 2-point versions, and how to use a vanishing point in Photoshop! You can use these new skills for myriad purposes, including cool isometric designs!
Top Recommended Photoshop Brushes From Envato Elements
Are you looking for Photoshop brush sets designed to look like traditional tools? Give these a try!
Pencil Brushes (ABR)
A pencil is the simplest drawing tool, but its textured strokes are a perfect base for any type of artwork—from technical sketches to detailed portraits. This set is simply a must-have for any digital artist!
Pen Brushes (ABR)
If you're interested in technical drawing, a digital brush imitating the strokes of a ballpoint pen can make your sketches clean, while also keeping that natural effect of traditional drawing. This set contains 60 of them!
Marker Brushes (ABR)
Sometimes you may need thicker strokes for your artwork, and although it's possible to make pencil or pen strokes bigger, it makes the natural effect go away. If you need thicker strokes, use a thicker tool—and this set gives you exactly this!
Dry Marker Brushes (ABR)
If you want to make your strokes look extra convincing, you can add a "drying ink" effect to them with this set. It contains 70 marker brushes with realistic textures.
Stipple Brush Set for Photoshop and Illustrator (ABR, AI, EPS)
If you need something for shading, you can use any brush—but nothing will give you a unique style like a set of stipple brushes. This set contains 62 brushes—32 for Photoshop and 30 brushes for Illustrator.
Discover More Photoshop Tutorials and Resources
If you want to learn more about drawing in perspective, try these tutorials:
Technical Drawing for Beginners: One Point Perspective
Technical Drawing for Beginners: Two Point Perspective
Technical Drawing for Beginners: Three Point Perspective
New Course: Mastering Perspective in Adobe Photoshop
How to Draw a House Step by Step
10 Essential Design Tips for Photoshop
A to Z of Photoshop: Tips, Tricks, & Hacks!
How to Create a Silhouette in Photoshop
How to Create an Artistic Watercolor Background Effect (With a Photoshop Action)
How to Flip a Layer in Photoshop
How to Create a Transparent Gradient in Photoshop
How to Remove Green Screen in Photoshop
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