In this tutorial, you will learn how to create an easy scan texture set in Photoshop. I will explain everything in so much detail that everyone can create a paper scan texture, even those who have just opened Photoshop for the first time.
Do you want to save time with ready-made textures? Check out this Paper Textures pack over on Envato Elements, where you can find thousands of awesome textures!
What You'll Learn in This Scanned Paper Texture Tutorial
- How to scan a texture
- How to make a scan paper texture
- How to adjust a scanned texture in Photoshop
- How to create a photocopy texture set
What You'll Need
To recreate the textures shown above, you will need the following:
- Scanner
- Paper
Jump to content in this section:
1. How to Prepare the Scanner for Texture Creating
First, we need to clean the glass of the scanner perfectly, so we don't have any dust or stains left. To do so, use a microfiber cloth and alcohol. You can repeat this process after each scan.
2. How to Create a Folded Paper Scan Texture
Step 1
In this section, we are going to create a folded paper scanned texture. Take a piece of paper, and fold it as you like. I've made a quarter-fold. Then, place the paper on the scanner so the side you want to scan is facing the glass.
Step 2
Now close the scanner lid, and adjust the settings manually. Set the Shadow Input Level to 205, Midtone Input Level to 1.62, and Output Shadow Level to 10. Then, set the format and resolution to any that you want, and click Scan.
Step 3
Start Photoshop, go to File > Open, select the folded paper texture scan, and choose Open. Then, press Control-Shift-U on your keyboard to desaturate the texture.
Step 4
Now choose the Crop Tool (C), and use the Crop Box to crop anything outside of the texture.
Step 5
Choose the Spot Healing Brush Tool (J), pick a soft brush, and brush over any dust particles and imperfections to remove them. And the texture is ready—here is my result:
3. How to Create a Crumpled Paper Photocopy Texture
Step 1
In this section, we are going to create a crumpled paper texture. Take a piece of paper, and crumple it as you like. Then, place the paper on the scanner.
Step 2
Now close the scanner lid, and again go for manual adjustments to the settings. Set the Shadow Input Level to 165, Midtone Input Level to 1.62, and Output Shadow Level to 10. Then, set the same format and resolution as the previous time, and click Scan.
Step 3
In Photoshop, go to File > Open, select the crumpled paper texture scan, and choose Open. Then, press Control-Shift-U on your keyboard to desaturate the texture.
Step 4
Now choose the Crop Tool (C), and use the Crop Box to crop the texture correctly.
Step 5
Choose the Spot Healing Brush Tool (J), pick a soft brush, and clean up any imperfections in the texture. And another texture is ready. Here is my result:
4. How to Create a Torn Scanned Paper Texture
Step 1
In this section, we are going to create a torn paper copy scan texture. Take a piece of paper, and tear it as you like. I've torn it in an irregular half. Then, place all the parts of the paper on the scanner. Make sure to place them unconnected so you can more easily split them later on when they're scanned.
Step 2
Now close the scanner lid, setting the Shadow Input Level to 200, Midtone Input Level to 1.19, and Output Shadow Level to 10. Use the same format and resolution, and click Scan.
Step 3
In Photoshop, go to File > Open, select the torn paper texture scan, and choose Open. Then, press Control-Shift-U to desaturate the texture.
Step 4
Now choose the Crop Tool (C), and use the Crop Box to crop the texture correctly.
Step 5
Choose the Spot Healing Brush Tool (J), pick a soft brush, and clean up any imperfections in the texture. Then, use the Background Eraser Tool (E) (or any other tool that you prefer) to remove the scanner background between the two paper parts. And the texture is ready. Here is my result:
5. How to Create a Wavy Paper Scanner Texture
Step 1
In this section, we are going to create a wavy paper photocopy overlay. Take a piece of paper, and twist it as you like. Then, place the paper on the scanner.
Step 2
Now we need to lift the scanner lid to preserve the waves of the paper texture and avoid them being flattened. Take two small items—they should be the same size, or at least similar—and place one at the front and one at the back of the scanner, between the bottom part and the lid. The idea is to keep the lid slightly raised while scanning. Here is my result:
Step 3
Close the scanner lid, and set the Shadow Input Level to 90, Midtone Input Level to 1.31, and Output Shadow Level to 10. Use the same format and resolution, and click Scan.
Step 4
Now, in Photoshop, go to File > Open, select the wavy paper texture scan, and choose Open. Then, press Control-Shift-U to desaturate the texture.
Step 5
Choose the Crop Tool (C), and use the Crop Box to crop the texture correctly.
Step 6
Choose the Spot Healing Brush Tool (J), pick a soft brush, and clear up any imperfections in the texture. And another texture is ready. Here is my result:
6. How to Create a Zig-Zag Paper Texture
Step 1
In this section, we are going to create a zig-zag copy scan texture. Take a piece of paper, and make a zig-zag fold as you like. Then, place the paper on the scanner.
Step 2
Now close the scanner lid, and set the Shadow Input Level to 165, Midtone Input Level to 1.62, and Shadow Output Level to 10. Use the same format and resolution, and click Scan.
Step 3
In Photoshop, go to File > Open, select the zig-zag paper texture scan, and choose Open. Then, press Control-Shift-U to desaturate the texture.
Step 4
Now choose the Crop Tool (C), and use the Crop Box to crop the texture correctly.
Step 5
Choose the Spot Healing Brush Tool (J), pick a soft brush, and clean up any imperfections in the texture. And the last texture is ready. Here is my result:
You Made It!
Congratulations, you have succeeded! You've learned how to create a photocopy texture set. Here is our final result:
5 Scan Texture Examples From Envato Elements
Want to see more scan textures? Check out this list of scan textures from Envato Elements, where you can find thousands of awesome photocopy textures and photocopy overlay sets!
Paper Textures (PNG)
If you need a scan paper texture, overlay, or background, this set of five scanned paper textures will get the job done. The textures offer superb quality and resolution.
Oil Painting Textures (JPG)
This set includes ten hand-painted and scanned oil painting textures. You can use them to create oil painting effects with ease!
30 Paint Roller Textures (PNG)
In this set you can find 30 paint roller textures made from real strokes made with a paint roller. The textures have transparent backgrounds and can be combined to create custom textures.
Dirt Texture Pack (AI, PNG, PDF)
With these detailed and hand-crafted textures, you can add details to your projects in no time. The textures are vectors, so you can change their color.
Watercolor Seamless Textures (PNG, JPG)
You'll find seven seamless handmade watercolor textures in this pack. The textures are made so that you can use them for seamless repeating patterns.
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