With just a few layers you can create what looks like a cool button (we call them badges in Ireland) in Photoshop. We’ll set the layer structure up so that you can easily reuse the main part of the button and simply change the top image to create a new button. Let’s get started.
1. Create a new image 600 x 600 pixels with a dark gray background #333333.
2. Create a new layer and using the Elliptical Marquee tool (M), drag out a circular marquee. Hold down the Shift key while you drag to make sure you get a perfect circle.
3. Using the Paint Bucket Tool (G) fill the circle with any color you want, it doesn’t matter at this stage. I used a bright red. Deselect the selection using Ctrl + D / Cmd + D.
4. Now it’s time to start stylin’. Click on the Layer Effects icon at the bottom of the Layers Palette and choose Drop Shadow from the pop-up menu. Use the settings in the image below, but don’t click OK yet.
5. Still in the Layer Effects Dialog box, click on the words Inner Shadow and add the following settings. Note that the Use Global Light checkbox is not ticked, so you can change the light angle. Don’t click OK yet.
6. Click on the words Inner Glow and change the following settings. Don’t click OK yet.
7. And now the final layer effect style. Click on the words Gradient Overlay and use the following settings.
Now you can click OK and you should have something that looks a bit like this:
8. We’re going to draw a highlight at this point. Create a new layer, then with the Elliptical Marquee tool, draw an ellipse near the top of the button. Select the Gradient Tool and set the Foreground color to white, then in the Gradient Tool Options at the top of the screen, choose the Foreground to Transparent gradient. With the Gradient Tool, drag downwards through the selection to create something like this:
9. Deselect the selection, the rotate the contents of the new highlight layer using the Free Transform Tool (Ctrl + T / Cmd + T). Position the highlight as below.
10. Duplicate the highlight layer by hitting Ctrl + J / Cmd + J and then turn off the original highlight’s visibility. Make sure you are working on the highlight copy layer. Select the Eraser tool and set the size to about 500 pixels and then click once to leave a small slither of white.
After erasing you’ll have what looks like a small bright shine.
11. Set the Opacity of the highlight copy to about 50%, then turn on the visibility of the original highlight layer and set the opacity to 50% for that too.
12. Select the Highlight copy layer (the small bright shine) and duplicate it. Once again use Ctrl + T / Cmd + T to free transform and rotate the duplicate shine and place it in the bottom left corner, like this:
Press Enter to apply the transformation. If you think the shine at the bottom is too bright, reduce the opacity of the layer to about 20%.
At this stage our button template is complete. All we need to do is turn down the FILL of the red circle layer to 0%, then you can put in any image you want.
Any image that you want to appear on your button will sit on the layer underneath this one.
Let’s say you want to make a Bob Marley button. Put the Bob Marley image on the layer beneath your (now invisible) red circle.
Now hit Ctrl and click on the circle layer to select that sized circle, then press Shift+Ctrl+I to invert the selection, go to the Marley layer, and hit delete to get your final button. Voila!
The best thing about this is it is a reusable design template, so make sure you hang on to your PSD file.
Frequently Asked Questions about Making Cool, Funky Buttons or Badges in Photoshop
What are some unique design ideas for funky buttons or badges?
There are countless design ideas for funky buttons or badges. You can use vibrant colors, unique shapes, and creative typography to make your buttons stand out. You can also incorporate different design elements such as patterns, textures, and illustrations. For instance, you can create a button with a retro design using vintage patterns and typography. Or, you can make a button with a modern design using minimalist shapes and colors. You can also use your own photos or artwork to create a personalized button.
How can I use Photoshop to create a button design?
Photoshop is a powerful tool that you can use to create a button design. You can start by creating a new document with the size of your button. Then, you can use the shape tool to create the shape of your button. You can add color to your button using the paint bucket tool. You can also add text to your button using the text tool. You can customize the font, size, and color of your text. You can also add effects to your button such as shadows, gradients, and textures using the layer styles.
Can I sell the buttons or badges I create in Photoshop?
Yes, you can sell the buttons or badges you create in Photoshop. You can sell them on online marketplaces such as Etsy. You can also sell them at craft fairs or local shops. However, you need to make sure that you have the rights to use any images or designs you use in your buttons. If you use copyrighted images or designs without permission, you could face legal consequences.
What materials do I need to make physical buttons or badges?
To make physical buttons or badges, you need a button maker machine, button parts, and a printed design. The button parts include the button front, the button back, and the mylar cover. The printed design is the image or text that you want to display on your button. You can print your design on regular paper or photo paper.
How can I print my button design?
You can print your button design using a regular printer. You need to make sure that your design is the right size for your button. You can use a template to ensure that your design fits perfectly on your button. After printing your design, you can cut it out using a circle cutter or a pair of scissors.
How can I make my buttons or badges more professional-looking?
There are several ways to make your buttons or badges more professional-looking. You can use high-quality images and designs. You can also use a professional button maker machine to ensure that your buttons are perfectly round and have a smooth finish. Additionally, you can use a mylar cover to protect your design and give your button a glossy finish.
Can I use other software besides Photoshop to create button designs?
Yes, you can use other software besides Photoshop to create button designs. Some popular alternatives include Illustrator, InDesign, and GIMP. These software programs offer similar features to Photoshop and can be used to create high-quality button designs.
How can I create a button design without any design skills?
If you don’t have any design skills, you can use online design tools such as Canva or Adobe Spark. These tools offer pre-made templates that you can customize with your own text and images. They also offer easy-to-use design features such as drag-and-drop and one-click effects.
What are some tips for creating effective button designs?
Some tips for creating effective button designs include keeping your design simple, using contrasting colors, and making your text easy to read. You should also consider the purpose of your button. If your button is for a specific event or cause, you should include relevant images or text.
How can I make my buttons or badges stand out?
To make your buttons or badges stand out, you can use unique designs, vibrant colors, and creative typography. You can also add special effects such as shadows, gradients, and textures. Additionally, you can use a glossy mylar cover to give your button a shiny finish.
Jennifer FarleyJennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
