Creative Photoshop actions can achieve very high-quality photo effects without it having to take you days, hours, or your whole work week creating them from scratch. In this article, I’ll show you the 46 best Photoshop actions with creative photo effects.
These creative photo effects are made for designers and digital artists who work in Adobe Photoshop. They can help you transform your photos and add a number of innovative effects to them, taking your flyers, posters, or photo manipulations to the next level!
Each downloadable PSD action is easy to work with. Get results with the push of a button. Readily direct how each action works with your source photos. Most of these actions work with brushes that you can apply and control. You can then further customize the effects from the resulting organized layers to get exactly the look you’re aiming for.
Jump into this collection and learn more about the time-saving Photoshop actions that can transform your photos with professional creative effects!
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Any photo effect from around the web won’t do. If you want to take your creative projects to the next level and impress your audience with cool photos, you need top-quality photo effects.
Luckily, there’s Envato Elements, a premium, subscription-based marketplace with tons and tons of the best digital assets.
Don’t believe me? Just check out some of the most awesome photo effects from its giant library:
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Creative Photoshop Actions & Photo Effects From Envato Elements (With Unlimited Use)
You can find hundreds of the best photo effect Photoshop actions on Envato Elements, with a compelling offer: download as many as you want for a single monthly fee.
1. Sandstorm Creative Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN)
For example, check out the amazing Sandstorm, a creative Photoshop action. It’s so easy to create this mind-blowing effect—just brush onto the areas of your photo that you would like to transform, hit the play button, and sit back and watch it happen!
2. Flex Artistic Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN)
Flex your insane power with this awesome artistic Photoshop action. Created to emulate a high-energy abstract artwork, this action is super easy to use. Simply fill in your subject with color and play the action. It’s really that simple! Try it on your favorite photos or bring life to wildlife photography.
3. 80 Double Exposure: Creative Photoshop Effect (ATN)
Or show off your love for this trendy double exposure creative Photoshop effect. Featured in this action pack are 80 incredible Photoshop actions that help you merge your favorite photos together. Create a professional effect in seconds with this amazing set.
4. Elemental Photoshop Effect Action (ATN)
Show how fierce and fiery you are with this elemental Photoshop effect action featuring several colorful elements to choose from. Simply brush over the area of the photo where you would like the effect to occur, and press play!
Explore the different color options to open the door to new photo effect possibilities.
5. Dimension Creative Photo Effect (ABR, ATN, PAT)
Looking for texture actions for Photoshop? Explore different dimensions with this super creative Photoshop action. Designed to make it look as if you’re shattering right through to another dimension, this creative photo effect features eight different glass patterns that can be scaled up or down depending on your personal preferences.
Easily control which part of your subject appears in front of the glass wall, and choose from ten color options for additional looks.
6. Architekt Action Effect for Photoshop (ABR)
Love geometric design? How about incorporating it into your next photo effect? Give this insane Architekt action effect for Photoshop a try to transform your photos into a highly detailed work of art. As with many actions online, the process to achieve results like the one shown below is simple.
Simply fill the subject with color and press play on the Actions panel. Watch your photo magically shift into an explosive abstract design with just a few clicks!
7. Da Vinci Sketch: Creative Effect in Photoshop (ABR, ATN, PAT)
Make legendary works of art just like the masters. This next creative effect in Photoshop is inspired by the great Renaissance man himself, Leonardo Da Vinci. It helps you effectively turn any picture into a hand-drawn sketch while adding extra cool details like notes and scribbles. Customize it with your signature for a personal touch!
8. Vector Painting: Photoshop Art Action (ATN, PNG)
Want a fast way to turn your photos into stunning vector art? This Photoshop art action will do just the trick. It only works with Photoshop CS6 and the latest versions of Creative Cloud, so make sure you have the recent updates to use this action.
It’s super easy to use and works with all languages. Check it out!
9. Tesla Photoshop Creative Effect (ATN)
Harness the power of electricity! The Tesla Photoshop creative effect will make any science fan proud. It creates an electrifying super-charged effect that can be applied to any part of your photo.
If you need sports Photoshop actions, this can work as well. Outline your limbs with powerful energy or use the action to produce incredible details for photo manipulations. The possibilities are limitless!
10. Animated Meteor Shower: Photo Action Style (ATN)
Photoshop actions aren’t just for static images! You can also create mind-blowing animations like the one featured in this download. Inspired by space, this action creates an animated meteor shower for banners, social media posts, and more.
11. Hologram Creative Photoshop Edit (ATN, PAT)
Who knew you needed a hologram kitty? This creative Photoshop edit is the best way to surprise your friends and fans with exciting, fun visuals.
Just open photos of yourself, friends, or pets in Photoshop, and brush over the area where you would like the main effect to occur. Then press play and sit back to enjoy the result.
12. Water Artistic Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN)
Or splash around with this super cool water artistic Photoshop action to download from Elements. Created to turn you into a powerful underwater entity, this creative photo effect is definitely one you’ll want to try.
Included in this package are three different water actions, each with a unique set of splash graphics, which makes it a great splash Photoshop action. Get a realistic underwater effect over your subject by just hiding a few simple layers! This is a really nice water Photoshop action to download.
13. Forge Creative Photoshop Action (ATN)
Texture creative Photoshop actions are always useful. Ready to create explosive photos with amazing, high-quality details? Forge your own works of art with this incredible Photoshop action.
This action has been tested to work on a multitude of Photoshop versions, so rest easy knowing that you can create this photo effect on your current version. Enjoy access to a quick video tutorial to see this action at work!
14. Plasma Photoshop Effect Action (ATN)
Create gorgeous, luminous lines and incredible lighting effects with this awesome Photoshop effect action. A photo effect that transforms your photos into stylish, abstract designs, this package includes an easy-to-use action to create an energetic design with a few simple clicks.
If you like different body paint Photoshop actions, download this package to get access to helpful documents and an additional video to see the step-by-step process of this plasma evolution.
15. Haunted Creative Photoshop Effect (ATN)
Want to scare your friends the fun way? Give this ghoulish Photoshop action a try. Created to simulate the haunting look of horror films, this action will transform you or a friend into a photographed ghost. Download this action for a professional visual effect that works non-destructively to alter your photos.
16. Arranged Glass Action Effect for Photoshop (PSD)
If you thought you’d need to spend hours creating a glass effect on your photos, think again. With this action effect for Photoshop, you can easily make your photos look as if you’re seeing them from behind textured glass. The best part? You get a super awesome result in little time and with little effort.
17. Rainbow Lighting Creative Photo Effect (PSD)
Spectral colors are the hues in the spectrum created when monochromatic lights break up. This spectrum is also known as rainbows. As you know, rainbows are beautiful and magical. If you want to capture this magic in your images, you could put a prism in the right spot to shine a rainbow over your photos.
Luckily, you don’t have to go through all that trouble. Download this innovative and creative photo effect from Envato Elements!
18. Realistic Painting Photoshop Art Action (PSD)
Is it real? Is it a painting? Or is it a photo effect? Who knows! Keep your audience guessing and on their toes with a photo effect like this one. You don’t even have to spend hours developing a painting technique and picking up a brush.
Get this high-quality Photoshop art action and paint your photos!
19. Abstract Paint Creative Effect in Photoshop (PSD)
This creative effect in Photoshop has a realistic side to it, like in the realistic painting asset mentioned above. But then, it explodes into thousand of colors and abstract images. You can use this photo effect easily, even if you’re not a super skilled designer. It has well-organized layers to make using it much more intuitive and straightforward.
20. Vintage Vector Photo Action Style (PSD)
This incredible photo effect for Photoshop has a lot of cool elements. For one, it turns your photos into different colors. Then, it adds design value with the various lines and visual items. Lastly, the texture gives the image more eye-catching and exciting features.
Do you want all of these and more in your photos? Use this top photo action style from Envato Elements!
21. Chalk Art Photoshop Creative Effect (PSD)
Chalk art Photoshop creative effect. Need we say more? Give your photos an urban feel with this digital asset from Envato Elements. It takes the main traits in the images and outlines them perfectly as if it were white chalk against a black chalkboard. Its organized layers and high-quality design will make capturing your audience much more effortless.
22. Abstract Brush Creative Photoshop Edit (PSD)
Have you ever wanted to see what your photos would look like if they had a brush stroke over them, highlighting only the focal point in them? You don’t have to wait anymore to see your vision realized! This digital creative Photoshop edit will make your photos jump off the page.
23. Paper Torn Artistic Photoshop Action (PSD)
Make your audience do a double take! This fantastic photo effect for PSD frames your images with the texture of torn paper. It’s a PSD file with Smart Objects to make sure you won’t need a lot of time, expertise, or effort to tear your photos and give them the spotlight. Tear your pictures apart with the stunning artistic Photoshop action.
24. 3D Tiles Creative Photoshop Action (PSD)
We’ve all seen those images with blurred pixels and blended features. They are cool and add some mystery to the pictures behind them since you can’t really see what’s going on.
The 3D Tiles Creative Photoshop Action can give your images the cool, pixelated, and mysterious flare you need.
25. Circular Focus Photoshop Effect Action (PSD)
Do you want your audience to focus and connect with a particular section of your photos? Why not have them look at your images through a lens? You don’t even have to do more than click a few buttons to get this out-of-the-box Photoshop effect action.
Remove all the surrounding clutter and keep your eyes on the prize with this great asset from Envato Elements!
26. Oil Painting Creative Photoshop Effect (PSD)
Blur the lines between photos and digital art with the Oil Painting Creative Photoshop Effect. This one delivers a cartoonish look and feel that can be fun, energetic, and elegant. This Photoshop action is incredibly versatile. This means you can use it for a lot of different images, for a wide variety of purposes, and get a slew of distinct results.
27. Retro Glitch Action Effect for Photoshop (PSD)
Glitches are a malfunction of technological equipment. And even though they can be frustrating when you’re using an electronic device, they can create pretty cool visual effects.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for your computer or camera to fail to get a retro glitch in your pictures. Simply download this top action effect for Photoshop and enjoy!
28. Glass Reflection Creative Photo Effect (PSD)
Get the party started with the Glass Reflection Creative Photo Effect. Work with this amazing Photoshop action in a high resolution and get all eyes on your work. You’ll see how easy it is to get yourself noticed when you have the right tools and elements by your side.
29. Water Drop Photoshop Art Action (PSD)
The look of water droplets can make a photo interesting and much more dynamic. However, sprinkling your photos with actual water can ruin them and throw all of your hard work in the trash.
If you have some reservations, simply give this Photoshop art action a try and see for yourself.
30. Retro Scratched Creative Effect in Photoshop (PSD)
There’s no need to scratch your photos to get that cool texture on your creative work. Subscribe to Envato Elements and download this extraordinary and creative effect in Photoshop. It will capture your audience’s imagination and get your work front and center.
31. Dizzying Photo Action Style (PSD)
Whimsical, surreal, and alluring. These are all words that could describe this first-class photo action style. If your work could pair up nicely with a foggy and dynamic photo effect, look no further. Your photos will look dreamy and dizzying in the best way possible.
32. Prism Photoshop Creative Effect (PSD)
Look at the image above. It evokes elegance, high fashion, and creativity, doesn’t it? Do these words describe your work? If they do, ensure you snatch this premium Photoshop creative effect from Envato Elements. It’ll break your original photo into different identical parts and make your audience see double.
33. Glued Artistic Photoshop Action (PSD)
Your work should never be bunched up into a small paper ball. However, you can get the texture and effect with this artistic Photoshop action. It instantly transforms your photos and other work into a crinkly but fun project.
You’ll get the best results in only a fraction of the time and energy it would take you to do it on your own.
34. Smoke Creative Photoshop Edit (PSD)
Colorful and subdued. Energetic yet soothing. This creative Photoshop edit has a little bit of everything. This makes it a great and versatile option to emphasize your hard work.
The colorful cloud of smoke will envelop your photos with a degree of enigma and allure.
35. Halftone Photoshop Effect Action (PSD)
Look at the details in this Photoshop effect action. It has a beautiful pattern of tiles, rhombuses, and dots that work together to create the illusion of the photo you want. If that weren’t enough, it has a dual-tone effect that ensures that only the most crucial parts of your images shine through.
36. Smoke Creative Photoshop Action (PSD)
Don’t let your work go up in smoke! Instead, use smoke to make your creative work even more attractive and magnetic. This top-notch PSD photo effect will make your pictures look as if they were vanishing away from the page. This will give them a sense of urgency; your audience will need to look at them now before they’re blown entirely off.
37. Mosaic Action Effect for Photoshop (PSD)
Not that your images need it, but if you want to elevate it with mosaic and cracked surfaces, download the Mosaic Action Effect for Photoshop. The incredible texture in this high-quality PSD effect can further cement the message you want to transmit.
Start working with this photo effect in PSD today!
38. Painting Creative Photo Effect (PSD)
If your vision for your work includes a dramatic but ethereal look, start looking into this incredible painting creative photo effect. It will use a gray and slightly greenish palette to give your images a softness and harshness at the same time.
Don’t miss the opportunity to steal the show!
39. Sketch Photoshop Art Action (PSD)
Pencil sketches have a raw and handcrafted feel to them. As such, they can communicate depth and lightness at the same time. However, if you’re not much of a drawer or designer, you can take your work and run it through the Sketching Photoshop Art Action. It’s a high-resolution action that will take care of your photo’s creativity without fuzz.
40. Heatmap Creative Effect in Photoshop (PSD)
Do you really want to make things interesting? Bring your photos to life with the Heatmap Creative Effect in Photoshop. The contrast of the primary colors will grab and pull the attention of any eyes passing by. You can use this Photoshop action for many purposes or creative projects you may have.
41. Cyberpunk Photo Action Style (PSD)
The limited color palette will put your images’ outlines and predominant attributes under the limelight. It’s an innovative, creative, and edgy photo action style. It’s an organized, high-resolution action with Smart Objects and easily editable elements.
42. Splash Ink Photoshop Creative Effect (PSD)
Splashes of colored ink will brighten any picture and energize the viewer. Still, you don’t need to go through the trouble of printing your photo, getting paint in the right colors, and hoping you’ll get the desired effect without ruining the print.
To make a visual effect like the one in the image above happen, simply download the Splash Ink Photoshop Creative Effect from Envato Elements!
43. Cinematic Artistic Photoshop Action (PSD)
Cinematography is a creative and well-respected art form. And you can easily include it in your creative work with the Cinematic Artistic Photoshop Action from Envato Elements. It works great for any picture you want to elevate to movie star status.
Plus, you won’t have to try too hard to give your photos the cinematic take, as the action uses Smart Objects and has well-organized layers.
44. Fold Creative Photoshop Edit (ATN, PAT)
Do you know what you want to say with your pictures? If the message you’re trying to convey is related to nostalgia and yearning, work with the Fold Creative Photoshop Edit. At the end of the process, you’ll see that your images are like the photos you’ve kept in your wallet for a long time.
45. Stipple Photoshop Effect Action (PSD)
Pointillism is a painting technique that stems from Impressionism. It consists of creating artwork from thousands of colored dots. With enough distance, these individual patterns blend together and depict full images.
But you don’t need to know any of that or master the skill to have awesome Pointillism-inspired pictures. You just need to download and use Stipple Photoshop Effect Action.
46. Noise Creative Photoshop Effect (PSD)
Bring in the noise, bring in the funk! Noise is the last creative Photoshop action photo effect on the list. It uses color beautifully to create a glitchy effect that adds visual “noise” to the image. You’ll see your pictures become much more vibrant and electric with this PSD action and just a few clicks!
Grab a Premium Creative Photoshop Effect!
There are a number of intense Photoshop Action photo effects that trend weekly. Or browse through the thousands of PSD photo effect actions on Envato Elements. Pick one that’s the perfect fit for your next creative work of art, photo manipulation, or fresh design!
Find more incredible Photoshop actions at these links:
100+ Super Awesome Adobe Photoshop Actions From Envato Elements
- 36 Best New Photoshop Actions & Photo Effects (Updated for 2022)
- 100+ Awesome Photoshop Effects Tutorials
- 40 Free Photoshop Actions for Black and White Photography (And How to Make Your Own)
- 30+ More Awesome Photoshop Actions for Photographers
- How to Add Glorious Sparkles to a Photo (With a Photoshop Action)
- 24 Best Photo to Pencil Drawing Effect Actions for Photoshop
- 30 Best New Photoshop Actions & Photo Effects for 2022
- How to Create a Palette Knife Photoshop Action
- 100+ Best Smoke Effect Resources for Photoshop (Smoke Brush, Smoke Overlay)
Editorial Note: This post has been updated with contributions from Dacia Egurrola. Dacia is a staff writer with Envato Tuts+.
