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How to Add a Frame in Photoshop

Published: 18/02/2022

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 Real estate photography has numerous processes that you need to follow so you can deliver the best results. Once you've taken your pictures, it is time to add some borders to set off the images and make them pop. Adding a border to your pictures can create visual interest from viewers and it also gives them a classy edge. You can add different kinds of borders via Adobe Photoshop. 

Adobe Photoshop can give you several in-built plugins. With these plugins, you can add different frames to your images. Using this editing software, you can add a border to your picture easier and faster. Also, there are several borders in Photoshop that you can choose from.

How to Add a Frame in Photoshop

To add a frame in Photoshop, you first need to choose the type of border that you want to add to your images. You will also need to download the latest version of Adobe Photoshop and choose the images that you want to add borders to.

There are numerous frames that you can choose from, and common frames that real estate photographers use are the following:

  • Solid border
  • Custom border
  • Grunge border

Check out my step-by-step guide on how to add a frame in Photoshop.

How to Create a Solid Border

If you are new to Photoshop and you haven't added a border on an image before, it is best to use a basic border.

You can choose the classic white color or you can get colors that can set off the elements of your picture, a solid and basic one can add a lovely aesthetic to your image.

Open an image in Photoshop

Open Your Photo in Photoshop and Flatten It

Before you add a border in Photoshop, you first need to make sure that you have edited everything that needs to be edited on your photo.

If you have edited your picture, the file will have different layers. This means you will need to merge them or flatten them so they won't look disoriented. Click on the Layers Panel option. Once you see the drop-down menu, choose Flatten Image to apply that feature to your photo.

Unlock the Layer of the Photo

To add a border to your image, you need to unlock the layer first. This can be done via the Layers Panel. The Layers Panel can be located at the bottom part of the software, look for the image that you want to add a border to.

You will notice a small padlock appear right next to the image. To open the layer, select the padlock. Once you've selected the layer with the image, it will appear as Layer 0. You can rename it if you want.

Unlock the layer of the photo

Adjust the Size of the Image Canvas and Fill Out the Dialog Box

Next, you need to make sure that you have enough room for the border. Go to the Image section that can be seen on the toolbar and choose Canvas Size.

The dialog box for Canvas Size will appear. There are some things that you need to do to complete this task, and one of them is by selecting Relative.

Adjust the size of the Image Canvas

Select Border Dimensions and Border Color

The next thing that you need to do is to set up the width of your border in the Canvas Size dialog box. One or two inches of the border width works best. If you wish to adjust your image canvas size, you can do so until you find the best fit.

Next, choose the color of the border. The extension color will be visible at the bottom of the dialog box. It is right beside the drop-down menu. It will give you several color options, so choose the one that you want to use.

As soon as you are finished, make sure you save the changes and review the frame. Make sure that you save the picture once you've selected your border and color.

Choosing the color of your border

How to Create a Custom Border

If you do not want to have a plain border, you can switch to a custom border. Choose the picture that you want to add a border to and edit it first before you add any borders. Adding a custom border is the last thing that you do to your photo. 

Make sure that the layers are flattened. Also, create a solid layer for your photo to remove parts of it without adjusting the image any further. Choose the Adjustment Layer option at the Layers Panel. A menu would appear and you will be given several choices.

Adjustment Layer option on Photoshop

Select the Border Color and Invert the Layer Mask

From the Adjustment Layer, choose Solid Color. Select a color that you can apply to your border. The color will be added to the whole layer.

If your entire image is a solid color, do not worry. It is just a layer and your image is still present. Click on the color layer twice and select Control + l to invert the Layer mask. Your mask will either turn black or your image will be visible again.

Invert the Layer Mask

Select a Brush and Paint Your Border

Next, choose the brush tool through the brush icon. You will see several choices, however, you can customize.

Paint over the image where you wish to see the frame using the brush. The strokes will look white on top of the black colored mask. When you see your image, the border will be the color that you selected. Once you are done, save your changes.

The Brush Tool in Photoshop

How to Create a Grunge Border

Grunge borders can add a chic feel to your real estate photos. This can be a great alternative to solid borders and it only takes a couple of steps to create.

You need to open the file in Photoshop and choose the image that you want to add a frame to. You also need to select a Skyline image, either urban or nature-based. Just click on the image and choose Adjustments, then select Threshold. Make sure that you set the threshold to the highest number so that the image will turn black and white.

The finish output on how to put a frame in Photoshop

Open a Blank Canvas

Choose the image that you want to put a grunge border to, copy it, and paste the image in a new blank canvas that you've opened in Photoshop. You can use the following commands for a faster process:

  • Control/Command + A to choose image
  • Control/Command + C to copy image
  • Control/Command + V to create new canvas

Change the Skyline Image

At the menu seen at the top, choose Edit. Next, choose the Free Transform option and place the black and white picture to one of the sides. That will make one edge of the Grunge Border.

In order to create the other sides, you need to create the layer twice. Go to the Layer panel and choose another layer to create the other three sides. Choose a layer individually and use the Transform menu to make changes so it will fit the side of the picture. You need to repeat this until you finish the rectangular border.

You also need to manipulate each side of the rectangle, so that it does not look too uniform. In the Layer panel, choose the Layer Style and select Blending Options. You can adjust each layer to create different sides, do this until you get the result that you want.

Conclusion

Real estate photography involves a lot of post-processing adjustments since in most cases, the sale of the property depends on how you market it in your images.

By adding a frame to your picture in Photoshop, you can add an artistic feel to it, making it more eye-catching to the viewers. There are several frames that you can choose from, so select the one that you think matches your images.

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