Creating a Neon Glow Effect in Adobe Photoshop - Step-by-Step Guide

In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to create a neon glow effect in Adobe Photoshop. Follow the instructions below to achieve this captivating look for your images:

1. Open your desired image in Photoshop.
2. Create a new layer above the background layer and name it ‘Neon Glow’. Select the Brush Tool (B) with a soft round brush, set the foreground color to white, and paint over the areas where you want the neon effect. If needed, adjust the brush size and opacity.
3. Duplicate the Neon Glow layer by right-clicking on it and selecting ‘Duplicate Layer’. Name the new layer ‘Neon Shadow’.
4. Change the blending mode of the Neon Shadow layer to Multiply.
5. Set the foreground color to black, select the Brush Tool (B), and paint over the areas where you want the shadows for the neon effect. Adjust the brush size and opacity as needed.
6. Duplicate the Neon Shadow layer, change its blending mode to Overlay, and reduce its opacity to create a softer shadow effect.
7. Group the Neon Glow, Neon Shadow, and Neon Shadow (Overlay) layers by selecting them and right-clicking to choose ‘Group’. Rename the group as ‘Neon Effect’.
8. Create a new layer above the Neon Effect group and name it ‘Black Triangle’. Select the Polygonal Luma tool and carefully outline your image with a black shape. Fill the shape with black using the Brush Tool (B).
9. Place your model or desired image on the canvas by using the Move Tool (V). Resize and position it within the neon triangle as needed.
10. Add a layer mask to the Neon Effect group by right-clicking on the group and selecting ‘Layer > Layer Mask’. Select and mask the areas of the model you want to show, hiding the unwanted background.
11. Adjust the Neon Effect's opacity to achieve your desired level of brightness.
12. Add any additional effects or enhancements as needed (e.g., color gradients, textures, etc.).
13. Save your finished neon glow effect by going to File > Save As and choosing a location for your PSD file.