eCover / eBook / 3-d Box Tutorial
This tutorial will show you how to simulate a 3-D ‘Software Box’ effect in Photoshop.
The techniques shown here can be used to create eCovers or eBooks as well.
Create a rectangular document. My canvas was 250×300. Drag a guide to separate where the cover of the book and the spine will bend.
Create a new folder. For the first part of this tutorial, all layers should be made within this folder. It will make things easier later on.
Design your cover, keeping in mind where the spine will be.
Now we’re going to add some highlights and shadows to make the final product more realistic. Create a new layer. Using the Rectangular Marquee Tool, select the spine. With a dark gray – transparent gradient, drag from left to right to achieve the effect shown here:
Change Blending Mode for this layer to Difference.
Make a new layer. Again using the Rectangular Marquee Tool, select the cover this time. With a white – transparent gradient, drag once again from left to right to achieve the following:
This time, set the Blending Mode to Soft Light.
Continue to the next page to learn how to convert this flat 2D cover into a 3D image!
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In this tutorial I've included four different ways of making starbursts / sunbursts in Photoshop - each looking a bit different than the other!
Simple, but I like it
Great tutorial
Great! I used 3dsmax to create a box with a texture, before I learn your lesson.
I’m glad this was helpful!
Great! Now can you show me how to add that “subtle shadow”? I can never get my shadows to look like that. Thanks!
I really needed this but I can’t figure out
how to set the guide for the fold.
I’m a newbie.
No problem – first make sure that your rulers are visible (View — Rulers). Then simply click on the vertical ruler and drag it over to where you need it. Hope that helps!
hi
i really need help for this step
“Now we’re going to add some highlights and shadows to make the final product more realistic. Create a new layer. Using the Rectangular Marquee Tool, select the spine. With a dark gray – transparent gradient, drag from left to right to achieve the effect shown here:”
i didnt get it thanks
Sure! I need a little more detail on what’s getting you stuck though – are you having trouble selecting the spine? Making the gradient? Or something else?
This tutorial was very great. Please also provide tutorials for different kinds of ebook covers, cd covers etc
Excellent tutorial! People like you make life for people like me so much easier. Thanx buddy!
Jimmy
thanks
Nice! Really well done. Those subtle shadows and highlights really make a whole load of difference. Looks great!
For anyone that might be interested, here’s what I use to create eCovers…
It’s a full set of ebook cover photoshop actionscripts that just get the job done, & fast!
Thanks again!
nice tutorials.i hope always something new and easy to use
This is a helpful tutorial that I’ll use for my next ebook. Thanks a lot, Minty! It will also help me get around Photoshop a little better, too. Appreciate this a lot.
Hi there, please can you help guide me how to add the background image to my ebook cover
All help welcome
Thanks
great product