In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a Photoshop action to add matte photo effects to your photos. I will explain everything in so much detail that everyone can create a good matte effect, even those who have just opened Photoshop for the first time.
If you're looking for a ready-made matte Photoshop action (plus loads more useful Photoshop actions to create a variety of amazing effects), check out this huge list of resources:
Before We Get Started
A matte effect is a simple yet effective photo effect that is going to give a beautiful look to your photos. The best thing is that the matte photo effect is just going to work with pretty much any photo you choose. However, we are going to create not just a matte effect but a Photoshop action that creates a matte effect.
What are Photoshop actions? Photoshop actions are simply tools that you can use to create amazing Photoshop effects, usually with just a few clicks. They are automated sets of commands, and you don't need to go through each step manually, which can take a lot of time, especially if you want to apply the effect to multiple photos.
After we've created the matte Photoshop action, you'll then be able to open any photo, run the action, and get
a matte effect in no time. Check out the article below if you want to learn more about Photoshop actions:
What You'll Need
To recreate the design above, you will need the following resources:
1. How to Start Creating an Action
Step 1
First, open the photo that you want to work with. To open your photo, go to File > Open, choose your photo, and click Open. Now, before we get started, just check a couple of things:
- Your photo should be in RGB Color mode, 8 Bits/Channel. To check this, go to Image > Mode.
- For best results, your photo size should be 2000–4000 px wide/high. To check this, go to Image > Image Size.
- Your photo should be the Background layer. If it is not, go to Layer > New > Background from Layer.
Step 2
Now go to Window > Actions, and in the Actions panel click on the menu icon in the top right-hand corner, choose New Set to create a new set, and name it Matte. Then, click on the same menu icon again, choose New Action to create a new action, and name it Matte as shown below:
2. How to Make the Matte Adjustments
Step 1
In this section, we are going to make matte adjustments to the photo. Press D on your keyboard to reset the swatches. Then, go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Gradient Map to create a new gradient map adjustment layer and name it Overall Contrast.
Step 2
Now change the Blending Mode of this layer to Overlay.
Step 3
Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels to create a new levels adjustment layer, and name it Overall Brightness.
Step 4
Now Double-click on this layer thumbnail and, in the Properties panel, enter the settings below:
Step 5
Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves to create a new curves adjustment layer and name it Color Look.
Step 6
Now Double-click on this layer thumbnail and, in the Properties panel, enter the settings below:
Step 7
Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Vibrance to create a new vibrance adjustment layer and name it Overall Vibrance/Saturation.
Step 8
Now Double-click on this layer thumbnail and, in the Properties panel, set the Vibrance to +20 and Saturation to +7.
Step 9
Press Control-Alt-Shift-E on your keyboard to make a screenshot, and then press Control-Shift-U to desaturate this layer. Then, go to Filter > Other > High Pass and set the Radius to 2 px.
Step 10
Now change the Blending Mode of this layer to Hard Light and name it Overall Sharpening.
3. How to Turn the Result Black and White
Step 1
In this section, we are going to turn the result black and white. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Black & White to create a new black and white adjustment layer and name it Black & White.
Step 2
Now change the blending mode of this layer to Color.
You Made It!
Congratulations, you have succeeded! You have now learned how to create a matte Photoshop effects action. Here is our final result:
8 Matte Photoshop Actions and Photoshop Filters
Want more matte Photoshop actions? Here is our quick list of eight interesting matte Photoshop effects actions you may want to try:
Wedday Matte Photoshop Action
Wedday is specially designed for wedding photography. It will provide a soft and non-destructive matte pastel toning, enhancing the overall look and feel of your images, adding atmosphere and an artsy touch. Plus that little white balance tune-up that you were looking for.
Matte & Faded Photoshop Actions
Give your photos a beautiful and stylish matte & faded finish with this set of 17 Photoshop actions.
FilterGrade Chill Series Photoshop Actions
The FilterGrade Chill Series is a fantastic collection of chill photography effects. Basic fades to advanced photo filters take your image to the next level. Special noise effects are included. This is the best collection of Chill Photoshop Actions around.
Matte Pastels
Matte Pastels is a set of film-like effects inspired by the beautiful post-processing style of photographer Masashi Wakui. The Photoshop actions are compatible with Photoshop CS5 and newer.
Sensation Matte Mobile Lightroom Presets
Sensation Matte Mobile Lightroom Presets Pack features 11 carefully handcrafted filters, which allow you to add a gloomy matte finish and create beautiful edits in your photographs with just a click. The toning and colors of these filters are usually quite cool and dark for a moody feel, but some presets also beautifully emphasise color and warmth.
10 Matte Photoshop Action
This matte effect is a complete action pack containing ten perfect Photoshop ATN for fashion photography. These presets are specially developed for fashion photographers. A professional photographer can save precious time by using this effect.
Vintage Matte Photoshop Action
This action is designed to transform your photos into Photoshop vintage matte actions. It's specially developed for vintage matte type images.
10 Matte Photoshop Action
These actions are ideal for graphic designers and photographers, with only one ‘play’ click to add amazing colors. It's very easy for use and has the right organisation of filters in a group, where you can adjust the colors.
You could also check out our recommended Photoshop portrait actions:
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