How do you create the glass effect?

from WinCustomize Forums
I see a lot of glass-looking buttons and such. Can someone tell me how to create this effect? I've got Photoshop 5.5. Do I need a plugin? Another imaging tool?

Thanks,

John
2,153 views 8 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I create the glass effect in my metalX skin as a scaleable vector image in Fireworks. It's basically three ellipses - one for the background shape, one for the top hightlight, and one for the inner reflected highlight. The highlight ellipses are filled with a gradient from white to transparent, while the background ellipse is just a solid colour. Does any of that make sense?
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You mean something like this http://www.neofrog.com/tips/plasticpill.html ?
There is also this http://robouk.mchost.com/tuts/tutorial.php?tutorial=macosx , although the tutorial shows it with text, it can also be applied to any shape.
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Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Elementary drawing techniques. And if that doesn't work, try those tutorials paxx mentioned.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Excellent. Thanks.

"Elementary drawing techniques"
-That's what I figured. I was hoping for the magic "Add Glass Effect" option though.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I tend to just use the airbrush tool set at about 8% and work slowly using varying sizes of brush. I also work with a large image and reduce it when I am finished. For instance, if I wanted a glass sphere that measures 100x100 pixels, I would probably make it at about 400x 400 and reduce it afterwards. If you work like this you will see any flaws more clearly, and it looks nice and tight when you downscale it. Works for me!
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have found that gradients work well to help generate these effects.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In the Photoshop 6.0 Wow book, the accompanying CD has a variety of glass and plastic styles that you can add to any shape or image. It also shows you how to to do it by hand, but it's a lot easier and faster to use the included Photoshop Style when you're pressed for time.

Although you have to buy it, there are variety of other great tips and techniques that are included in the book -- lots of good stuff. It's definitely one of my favorite books in my design library.