10e20 Blog

Here is a simple way to use Photoshops filters and a few other steps to create Pixelated Borders or Textured Frames. You can see an example of this effect in use over at Iconfactory. They use it in a nice subtle way to frame or gutter the content.

Step 1. Create a black filled shape with the Rectangle Tool on half of your document.

Step 2. Select a quarter of that shape with the Marquee Tool. Make sure that your color swatches are the default Black/White settings with Black on top and go to Filter/Distort/Ocean Ripple and work with a setting you like.

Step 3. Go to Filter/Pixelate/Mosaic and experiment with the settings, try using a small cell size.

Step 4. Next adjust the Levels by going to Image/Adjustment/Levels. Play with the sliders and make it they way you feel looks best.

Final. Add some color and size it up. By going to Layer/New Fill Layer/Solid Color with a Mode of Screen you can easily add a color.

This technique is great for achieving that random pixel look. Sure you can fire up Illustrator and work off a grid, but this can give you results that are far more sporadic and quicker.

Hope you enjoy-have fun pushing those pixels!