A Simple Chrome Sphere

A chrome sphere... everybody tries to do it, and I would usually prefer to do this effect with layer styles or even a 3D program. However, not everyone has access to a 3D application – so, the easiest/quickest way in Photoshop to get the look of a reflection in a sphere is to start with the source of the reflection itself. – a light.

  1. 1.

    To start this tutorial, begin with a blank white document. Make sure the document is square, and it can be whatever size you like, although it should probably be larger than you think you need it. Create a new layer, and fill it with black.

  2. 2. Step 2

    On the black layer you just created, render a lens flare by selecting Filter-Render-Lens Flare.

    Important! When you choose the place to render the lens flare, make sure it is close to the center of the image’s canvas. Otherwise, later on in the process you end will up with a sharp point in the center, ruining the look of your sphere.

  3. 3. Step 3

    Now comes the fun part. Go to Filter-Distort-Polar Coordinants. Select Polar to Rectangular and hit OK. You should get something like the image on the left.

  4. 4. Step 4

    Go to Edit-Transform-Flip Vertical.

  5. 5. Step 5

    Go back to Filter-Distort-Polar Coordinants, this time select Rectangular to polar and hit OK. Now it is starting to look like a sphere.

  6. 6. Step 6

    In order to create the sphere, create guidelines directly in the center of the image. This is actually very easy to do. Go to View-New Guide, and type in 50%. Do this for both your horizontal and vertical guides, and you’re set.

  7. 7. Step 7

    Now, using the circular marquee tool, drag out from the center holding alt+shift. This will give you a perfect circle in the exact center of the image.

    Step 7a

    Invert the selection (Ctrl+Shift+I) you just made, and press delete, and you’re done!

Additional Ideas

Try applying some layer styles to make the image brighter, and have more contrast. Some good ones to try are “Inner Glow,” “Inner Shadow,” and “Bevel and Emboss.” Just play around until you found something you like. I would suggest making sure you try out the blending modes.

You may wish to change the colors on your sphere. I’d recommend doing this by bringing in a photo, applying some distortion, and setting the blending mode to “Color.” You might also want to try a levels adjustment to get some different looks.

Keep trying and playing with it until you get the look you want. Here are just a few ideas using this tutorial as a base.

Crystal ball Cloudy sphere Chrome sphere