Web Development: How to Create a 3D Anaglyph Effect in Photoshop

Wednesday, January 13, 2021

How to Create a 3D Anaglyph Effect in Photoshop

Final product image — What You'll Be Creating

You can create an easy 3D anaglyph effect in this Photoshop tutorial showing you how to make anaglyph pictures. We will show you how to create this 3D photo effect in less than 60 seconds with this anaglyph tutorial.

A 3D Anaglyph image is one that contains two different colored images, one for each eye, using filters of typically red and cyan, although some people may describe it as a red-blue 3D image.

Let's take a look at how to create this simple effect in this quick 60-second video below. And check out our selection of 3D Effect Photoshop Actions on Envato Elements, like this 3D Glasses Effect Photoshop action. It creates the effect as if you were wearing a pair of 3D glasses.

To experience that pop-out stereoscopic photo effect, make sure to use 3D red-cyan glasses to see this cool trick in action. Though it's known to be used for photography and film, you can incorporate this look into your designs and illustrations for an interesting twist.

Follow along us with over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:

1. How to Create a 3D Anaglyph Photo Effect in Photoshop

Step 1

Double-click the background layer and Name the new layer "Left". Then hold Control-J to create a Duplicate of this layer, renaming the new copy "Right".

Step 2

Select the right layer and Right-click to go to Blending Options. Under Blending Options, Advanced Blending, uncheck the Red option for the RGB channels and hit OK.

Uncheck the Red Option in Blending Options

Step 3

Repeat this process with the left layer, Right-click and go to Blending Options, but this time uncheck the Green option for the RGB channels and hit OK.

Uncheck the Green Option for Blending Options

Step 4

With the left layer still selected, grab the Move Tool (V) and press the Left Arrow key between five to ten times to shift the layer to the left. Now select the right layer and press the Right Arrow key several times to shift the layer to the right.

Shift the Layers Right and Left to Create a 3D Effect

Step 5

Then use the Crop Tool (C) to crop away the edges.

How to Make Anaglyph Pictures—With Photoshop Actions!

Continue working with 3D effects with these great resources! Find more incredible design assets on Envato Market and Envato Elements. Create quick red-blue stereoscopic images with these amazing 3D anaglyph Photoshop action resources which you can download now!

Anaglyph 3D Photoshop Action

Stereoscopic 3D effects work brilliantly for movie posters, websites, and videos. Create content you love with this great action that includes a total of eight actions. Easy to use, this non-destructive action will produce professional results without damaging your photos.

3D Effect Photoshop Actions

Or check out this simple 3D effect action for a trippy effect. Made by designer ClauGabriel, this action includes well-organized layers that can be customized to your preferences. Style any portrait, object, or landscape photo with a cool red-blue 3D filter effect!

3D Effects Photoshop Action

Master the 3D look with just a few clicks. This first Photoshop action features eight different color options with separate distortion settings. Adjust the effect even more with 17 filters that will make your images pop. Check it out!

3D Effect Photoshop Action

Need a quick and easy red-blue 3D filter effect? Check out this awesome Photoshop action from Feelfreestudio. Designed for Photoshop versions CS3 and above, this action makes an intense 3D anaglyph you can customize with new colors.

Interactive 3D Stereoscopic Effect

Make a special interactive version for your 3D effect. This exclusive Photoshop action comes from mrcharlesbrown. Grab it to enjoy a perfected anaglyph effect that works with Type A and B 3D glasses. Add it to your design arsenal!

More Photo Effect Inspiration

This is part of a series of quick video tutorials on Envato Tuts+ in which we introduce a range of subjects, all in 60 seconds—just enough to whet your appetite. Let us know in the comments what you thought of this video and what else you'd like to see explained in 60 seconds!

Enjoyed this anaglyph tutorial? Want to learn more about Adobe Photoshop and how to create awesome photo effects? Check out the following tutorials below: