In today's tutorial, we'll look at how to make a Matrix effect in Photoshop. We'll take the classic Matrix effect to the next level by adding depth and light bokeh. You'll also learn how to make a Matrix falling code effect using textures that do all of the heavy lifting.
Prefer to learn the Matrix glitch effect via video instead of text? You can follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:
Short on time? Skip the tutorial and head on over to Envato Elements, where you can find many different Photoshop effects, like a Matrix Effect Photoshop action, to save lots of time.
Jump to content in this section:
What You'll Learn in This Matrix Photoshop Action Tutorial
- How to make a Matrix effect
- How to make Matrix falling code effect
- How to remove a background in Photoshop
- How to create a color grade in Photoshop
- How to create an eye effect in Photoshop
What You'll Need to Make a Matrix Glitch Effect
To complete this Photoshop Matrix effect tutorial, you'll need the following resources:
- The Matrix Backgrounds and Overlays
- Close-Up Portrait of Young Black Man Staring
- Anaglyph Photoshop Actions V1
1. How to Create the Matrix Effect Background in Photoshop
Step 1
Before we look at how to create the Matrix effect, we have to set up the Matrix background first.
So we are going to create a green #153100 Color Fill layer, and paint some black on the upper and lower portions, creating an almost vignette effect.
Step 2
Next, we are going to add the Matrix using the Matrix Backgrounds and Overlays. There are several to choose from, including both numbers and characters.
Let’s use the Matrix 11 texture, dragging and dropping it on our canvas and enlarging the texture significantly.
Don’t worry about pixelation or blurriness—we'll fix it later!
Step 3
First, let’s bring down the Opacity to around 50% and Right-Click > Convert to Smart Object.
Step 4
We want these numbers to appear out of focus as they will be in the background of the image. We don’t need them to be sharp—we need them to be blurry. That's why we could enlarge them without worrying.
Let’s go to Filter > Blur > Field Blur and set the Blur to 34 px, and then hit OK.
Step 5
Duplicate the Matrix 11 texture and set it to Lighten at 65% Opacity.
Let’s move the texture around, shrinking it slightly.
Step 6
Since we made the texture a smart object, we can double-click the Blur Gallery setting and adjust it.
Let’s change the settings to Blur: 26p x and a Light Bokeh of 38%. Then we can slide the Light Range toggle to the left, placing it under the word “Range.” Hit OK.
Step 7
Let’s repeat that step one more time, duplicating the Matrix 11 texture again, but setting it to Screen at 65% Opacity.
Shrink it down until it’s roughly the height of our canvas, making it smaller than the other previous textures.
Step 8
Next, let’s double-click the Blur Gallery settings again, bringing the Blur down to 14 px and removing the Light Bokeh. Let’s also add an Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast, setting the Brightness to 75.
Group the layers, naming the group “Background”, and that's the Matrix background done.
2. How to Quickly Extract a Subject in Photoshop
Step 1
Next up in the Matrix Photoshop tutorial: let’s drag and drop our subject onto the canvas.
Step 2
Select the Object Select tool and click the Select Subject button in the upper Options toolbar.
Add a Layer Mask to the subject. If the Subject Select tool missed any areas, then you will want to go in and select and mask them yourself.
Step 3
Double-click the Layer Mask, set the Feather to 0.9 px, and then hit Select and Mask.
Check the Smart Radius option and set the Radius to 3 px.
Now we can use the Refine Edge Brush along the edges of the subject. If you select too much, press Alt to deselect.
Press OK once the mask is slightly better—it still doesn’t need to be perfect.
Step 4
We can finish refining our mask using the Smudge tool set to 25–30% to push in the remaining white edges. Also use this brush to blur any edges that need to be blurred, like the hood and shoulders of the jacket.
If any spots got masked by mistake, use a white semi-hard round Brush to mask them back in.
Step 5
Finally, use a large soft round Brush to mask out the lower portion of the subject, removing the edge of the image.
3. How to Create a Dark Green Color Grade in Photoshop for a Matrix Glitch Effect
Step 1
This Matrix effect Photoshop design needs a tech-inspired dark green color grade. These layers will be kept on top of all other layers, and I will be listing them starting from bottom to top.
First, a Color Lookup adjustment layer set to Foggy Night with an Opacity of 26%.
Step 2
Second, a Black to White Gradient Map adjustment layer set to 42% Opacity.
Step 3
Third, a green #234400 Solid Color fill layer set to Multiply and a 38% Opacity.
Step 4
Fourth, another Color Lookup adjustment layer set to Tension Green at 59% Opacity.
Step 5
Fifth, one last Color Lookup Layer set to Filmstock at 84% Opacity.
Step 6
And finally, a Selective Color adjustment layer affecting just the Neutrals with the settings being +7, -10, +3, and 0.
Mask out the face of the subject on the Selective Color layer’s mask, and then group everything.
4. How to Create a Matrix Lighting Effect in Photoshop
Step 1
Now we need to light our subject to achieve a cool Matrix texture. Let’s create and clip a Curves adjustment layer into our subject.
We are going to increase the highlights, and then double-click the layer to open the Layer Style panel.
Here we can adjust the Blend If settings. Hold Alt to split the leftmost toggles up, moving the right half almost completely to the right and the left half right under the “225”.
Step 2
Now, let’s create and clip a second Curves layer into the subject, placing it above the first.
This time, we are going to bring down the highlights to create dark shadows.
Hit Control-I to invert the Layer Mask, and mask in shadows under the chin and on the jacket. Keep the highlights on the neck and jawline for the most part.
Step 3
Next, we are going to create and clip one final Curves layer, changing it from the RGB channel to Green, and then once again bringing up those highlights about halfway.
Invert the layer mask, and then mask in green highlights onto the hair, cheeks, jawline, and edges of the neck.
Step 4
Let’s finish up the lighting by creating and clipping a new layer set to Screen into the subject, placing it above all other clipped layers.
Lower the Opacity to around 50% and then paint in some green along the edges of the face, filling in any shadows with a lime green #74ff51 color. A small semi-soft to soft default round brush should work perfectly.
5. How to Create Rim Light for a Matrix Effect in Photoshop
Step 1
The Photoshop Matrix effect tutorial is almost complete. Now, we are going to add some glow and rim lighting to our subject.
Let’s create two new layers set to Screen, placing both below the subject.
With a large fluffy round brush, with a Flow of 10% and set to a vivid green #00dc00 color, paint in some glow behind your subject.
Lower the Opacity of the layers if the glow is too strong. Using two layers instead of one will help you build the light up more slowly, as well as giving you more control over the opacity.
Step 2
Now for the rim light. Duplicate the subject, bringing it below the original. We are going to add a Color Overlay layer effect, filling it with a light neon green #a1ff63 color.
Now, we are going to nudge the layer 5–10 pixels upwards so that the green is just barely poking out from the top of the head and shoulders.
Step 3
Let’s Right-click > Apply Layer Mask, and then add a new Layer Mask.
Mask out all of the lower jacket, most of the shoulders, and a small amount of the hood. Also, mask out any areas of the face that don’t need the green rim light.
Group all of these layers and all of the previous subject layers into a group named “Subject."
6. How to Create a Matrix Eye Effect in Photoshop
Step 1
We are getting close to the end, so let’s drag and drop a new Matrix 11 texture onto the canvas. Shrink it down significantly and set it to Screen.
Make sure the Matrix texture is placed over the iris of the subject as we want it to appear as if the numbers are reflecting in his eyes.
Step 2
Zoom in on one of the eyes, and using the Elliptical Marquee Tool create a selection the size of the subject’s iris. Once you're happy with the selection, add a Layer Mask.
To make the numbers appear brighter and more prominent, we can duplicate the texture.
Step 3
Go ahead and repeat the same steps with the second eye as well.
Step 4
Copy one of the previous Matrix 11 textures from our background, bringing the layer above all current layers except the color grade group.
Make it very large, and set the Blur Gallery Blur to at least 35 px and the Light Bokeh to at least 35%. Adjust the Light Range to increase the light bokeh as well if needed. These settings will depend on the size of your texture as well as your personal tastes.
That will finish up how to do the Matrix effect.
Step 5
Finally, let’s add a Layer Mask to the texture and mask out any numbers that are falling directly over the subject's face.
Step 6
Want to take this Matrix effect even further? The Anaglyph action will give you the perfect glitchy cherry on top of the Matrix cake!
Group all of your layers together, Duplicate the group, Merge the group, name the merged layer “Background”, and then hit Play and watch it go.
The red works really nicely with the green, so I highly recommend it.
Congratulations! You've Made a Matrix Glitch Effect
And that is the end of this Matrix Photoshop tutorial. All of the charm of the classic Matrix photo effect, but with even more depth and light thanks to us layering the textures one by one and adjusting the blur as we go. Top it off with an Anaglyph action or create a Matrix text effect in Photoshop using the action below.
Top Matrix Photoshop Actions From Envato Elements to Get the Matrix Effect Instantly
What's the next best thing to a Photoshop Matrix effect tutorial? A Matrix Photoshop action that gives you the same effect in seconds. This Matrix effect Photoshop action can create six different Matrix code styles, and you can even use it to create a Matrix text effect in Photoshop
1. Matrix Photoshop Action (ATN, PAT)
Step into the Matrix and easily create the desired look with this futuristic Photoshop action. This download comes with 6 different Matrix colors, which allows you a level of customization you may not have otherwise.
2. Pixel Splitting Matrix Photoshop Action (ABR, ATN, PAT)
Is this a glitch in the Matrix or just a cool Photoshop action effect? Slowly split the subjects in your photos with this download. Contrary to what you may believe, this isn't a destructive action, and it comes in well-arranged layers so you can get through it in a split second.
3. Matrix Cloner Photoshop Plugin (ATN, PAT, ZXP)
Fragmented and eye-catching. These are two words that will define any image you use this Matrix Photoshop action with. It will break the mind of any of your spectators. What's more, the Photoshop action includes intelligent optimization, interactive region rendering, and more.
4. Dot Matrix Effect for Photoshop (PSD)
This Dot Matrix effect for Photoshop will let you immerse your audience in a virtual reality. The Dot Matrix Effect for Photoshop will transform your images into artwork under a dotted veil. You can even choose between two available dot sizes to get the exact look you want and need.
5. Hacker Matrix Photoshop Action Effect (ATN, PAT)
Last but not least, here's a more classic Matrix Photoshop action. You can make your audience feel like they're going into the deep web and hacking into the most secure site to pull out sensitive information. And you can create that Matrix glitch effect in a few seconds.
Looking to learn even more? Check out some more tutorials below:
How to Create a Realistic Chrome Text Effect in Adobe Photoshop
How to Make a Bokeh Background in Photoshop
How to Create a Cyberpunk Photoshop Effect Action
How to Make a Custom Music Poster in Photoshop With Bitmap Mode
Photoshop Brush Tool: A Basic Guide
How to Make a Cool Photo Effect Album Cover Design in Photoshop
