How to make an inner shadow around a page in Photoshop CS2?

Question

I'm working on a web site and want to create a bounding-shadow effect around the whole site, like in the image below. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I've tried inner-shadow but it doesn't quite do it, since the shadow in my example isn't consistent. Any ideas? Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Your question is a bit ambiguous, since it's not clear whether or not you want the uneven vignette effect in your example.

The example was created by adding a 50% Grey layer in Overlay mode above the image, then darkening it around the edges with either the Burn tool or a black brush set to a low opacity. It looks like there was some noise added to the layer too, before or after the burning step.

For an even effect, don't use Inner Shadow, which is directional. Instead, use Inner Glow. Change its blend mode to Overlay, color to black, and size and spread to taste.

Answer 2

That would seem to be more of a vignette look than anything. When you say " the shadow in my example isn't consistent", do you mean you are looking for something less consistent around the edge?

You could try creating an outline around the border (select all -> stroke) and then adding or subtracting to the thickness at certain points. Then, when you apply your shadow it would be working off the stroke you created. You could even go back and, using the brush tool, add or subtract areas to get that uneven look.

Answer 3

Boy you all complicate things. Grab an airbrush, increase the size significantly and paint OUTSIDE the area so the edges only hit using royal black. Adjust the opacity.

Answer 4

You can also use the rectangle too and draw a rectangle that covers your entire canvas. Make sure this is on the top layer. Then in your layers palette, make sure this layer is highlighted, then at the top of the layers palette, take the 'fill' down to 0. Then double click on the layer to get 'layer effects'. Then choose, 'inner glow'. Make sure the color is black and the blending mode is 'multiply'. Then you can adjust the effect from there. This allows you to add layers below the vignette while keeping that effect in place.

Answer 5

Your challenge is that a web site isn't a fixed canvas. So there's no defined 'frame' for what you want to do.

If you can confine the size of area you want to work in, that will help, so you'll have to figure out visually what to do beyond that with the background.

Since you can't layer the effect on top, as that would block click-ability of your site, you'll have to add the vignette as background images on your site. Alan's method is certainly viable--as using a layer mask in PhotoShop or the like.

Answer 6

1) Go to Blending Options 2) Click On Graident Overlay 3) Style: Radial.

---------- Better Idea ----------

1) Blending Options 2) Inner Shadow

Answer 7

This may not be correct answer but it is a solution

Use the css box shadow http://css3generator.com/

-webkit-box-shadow: inset 0px 0px 20px 20px ;
-moz-box-shadow: inset 0px 0px 20px 20px ;
box-shadow: inset 0px 0px 20px 20px ;