Any ideas how to create these nifty buttons?

[irock]

I love the lightening effect and shadows... any idea how to make these via PhotoShop?

[a.r.tv.com...]

Thanks!

[korkus2000]

I would create that in a vector program like Illustrator or Freehand. It would be quite easy with those applications using gradients and vector clip art.

[John_Caius]

Might not have remembered the exact order of menus, but it's something like:

1.
Layer
Effects
Drop shadow

2.
Layer
Effects
Inner Bevel

3.
Filter
Lighting Effects
Spot

That would do it. Btw, this is for Photoshop 5.

[John_Caius]

and the number's been embossed - that's Layer/Effects/Emboss. Obviously you design your shape as a flat colour 2D shape first in its own layer (i.e. the rest of the layer is transparent).

[tedster]

a vector program like Illustrator or Freehand

Photoshop 6 introduced a "custom shape" tool, with several predefined vector shapes. This particular exmple can be quickly done with parts from 2 of them.

I've just been exploring some of the new introductions in Photoshop 6 and 7 - such as the shapes. You can create your own vector shapes and build up the default selection. Not as good as all he sweet tools in Illustrator, but for simple design elements it's a time saver.

[korkus2000]

I have been disappointed with photoshops vector capabilities when it comes to gradients, fills, and curves. In fact I haven't even tried them in 7 because I was disappointed with 6. Do you see them evolving or is it pretty much the same. I just get crisper results importing EPSs and converting them to raster than photoshop only stuff. Maybe I should take a new look at them.

As for using filters, I really don't like the stock filters. They maybe good for throwing on an outline, but I guess I just find them cheesy. The plug in filters are more powerful but also expensive. I have never produced a bevel I liked in photoshop from layer effects or the stock filters. Some of the basic stuff like bevels I wish they would work on so they would be more powerful instead of having to get a third party package.

[idiotgirl]

Quick-N-Dirty Solution: Ulead PhotoImpact. The shapes can be vector-based (the call-out balloon comes stock) and gradient filled with just a few clicks, including the shadow, which can be customized, also. The figures can be treated as individual objects with varying opacity or each their own color. Very easy, very fast AND your elements will always be editable.

It's a great program for under $100.

<added>there is also a people/figure .TTF font someplace out there</added>

[Jon_King]

I find your question a bit like "How do I make a website?" It's a fairly complex set of instructions because this is a pretty complex example of a button.

It was no doubt created in a vector program and to do it in Photoshop would really just not be the way to go. Photoshop will be making the job more difficult than it should be.

However it can be done in Photoshop; and before I proceed with instructions please give me an idea of your level of experience using Photoshop. This will make a great deal of difference in where to start the lesson.