Create an Amazing Worldmap with Photoshop - Update

[Sellous]

Update 02/01

Added some images to use in the map

Slower Connection (only some images of the contact sheet): download
Full Pack (you'll need to resize some images): download

Spoiler: Contact Sheet

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/2462/terrainhx1.jpg[/IMG]

Note: I’m current using Photoshop 7.0

At the end of this tutorial you’ll be able to make maps like this (with some control of the levels):

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/2642/examplexq1.jpg[/IMG]

First, create a new document (640x480), with white blackground:

Step 1

Next: use Filter> Render > Clouds. This will create the texture (levels) of the map. The whiter in some part, more high will be this part. You can use Clouds until you have a texture of your taste.

Step 2

Next: Take the eraser tool, select pencil, mode normal, opacity 100% and flow 20%. Use a blurred pencil with size of 200 (for fast edit, but if you wanna more details, use a smaller brush), then press button D. Now, pass just one time in the areas that you want to be water. When you have finished, press button X and do the same thing in the areas that you want to be earth. It doesn’t need to be perfect, the cool of a map if be unperfect.

Step 3

Next: Press Ctrl +A, then Ctrl + C, go to Channels (Window> Channels). Click on Create a New Channel. Select the new channel an press Ctrl + V.

Step 4

Next: Go back to Layers, click on Create a New Layer. Select the new layer and fill it with white using the Paint Bucked Tool. Then go to Filter> Render> Lightning Effects. Do exactly equal the image below (latter you can experiment some changes). Look the Texture Channel, it has to be equal the new channel that you have created (in my case, Alpha 1).

Step 5

Next: In this layer proprieties, change Normal to Luminosity, an leave Opacity to 50%.

Step 6

Finaly: Select the Background Layer, go on “Create a new Fill or…” (the little circle that remember yin yang symbol), Select Gradient Map and choose the Chrome Gradient (the blue/brow gradient, if you don’t have it, try to reset the gradient clicking on the black set and choosing Reset Gradients)

Step 7

Congratulation, you have finished this tutorial. Now, experiment new gradients and create your owns.


For Advanced Users

With this system, you can also take a done flatten map and make levels on it. (just don’t use a gradient, since probably the map is colorized).

Original:

http://img447.imageshack.us/img447/6397/adnc1.jpg[/IMG]

Modified:

http://img447.imageshack.us/img447/526/ad2bx8.jpg[/IMG]

There’s also other way to do this using Torn Edges and then Plaster in a cloned layer:

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/7286/ad3hz2.jpg[/IMG]

 

[lorddonk]

This looks great! I think I might use this technique in my game. I only have the GIMP but I'm sure it could be done :D Great tutorial!

 

[Sellous]

Thanks!

 

[Scribblette]

This looks fantastic. I have to try it out! Good guide to steps in Photoshop too. *fiddles away*

Edit: Mkay, Photoshop CS2 here, a tiny bit different. I think this is more about creating a random world map, though, since the cloud effect is random? Can't actually create landmasses properly, or what - if you wind up going over an area again while drawing on it for land/water it becomes a lot brighter and doesn't work... or maybe I just stuffed up, heh. Cool effects, would just like more control since I already have my worldmap design in mind.

 

[Sellous]

Yep, that's way I said "with some control of the levels". Unhappily the levels always will be random (unless you have extremely ability to make levels in black and white with brush). But make a part be earth or water is just train (a little difficult in the beginning). Step 3 is the most important. Try a little more, if needed, use the brush, on step 3 more times in each area.

Well, and after all, this makes beautiful wallpapers!

 

[~Atlaswing~]

Absolutely amazing! I am currently learning how to do this! And great tut!!! :evil:

(tip, you can make a new layer, color it with a shade of BROWN, put the layer on the very top then choose the OVERLAY layer in the layer options for older and browner look.. :D)

 

[Sellous]

There’re many more things you can do. For example, if you have some images, like trees or mountains, you can put in your map.

See:

http://img478.imageshack.us/img478/4442/exemplo2ei2.jpg[/IMG]

 

[Esper]

how have you made these second modified worldmap...


this one:
http://img447.imageshack.us/img447/526/ad2bx8.jpg[/IMG]

 

[Sellous]

Using the same system. I don't remember very well, but, copy and paste in a new channel. In the layers you duplicate the layer of the map and apply, in the new layer, lighting effects. You’ll need to try some other things like Hue, Saturation and layer mode.

 

[$t3v0]

Class tutorial mate! Good to see some fundamental things coming through here!

~ $t3v0

 

[Sir Pimpalot]

Nice tut. :P
Also adding a slight graininess and changing the hues and saturation you can have one that looks like paper.

 

[Balore]

That looks amazing! Now if only I had Photoshop...

 

[psgels]

I think it'll be just as easy with a free program like The Gimp.

 

[zealex]

Great tutorial! The maps look amazing!

 

[Sobeman459]

Took a few tries but i figures it out in CS2. This is simply great. I learned a lot of new stuff with photo shop just with this tut. Thanks it really helped me out.

 

[JD_Slasha]

Damn. This is extremely useful. Kudos.

 

[Koleman]

How would you then go about using it in RMXP?

 

[Ellie]

Er... event > show picture.

 

[Koleman]

Yeah but would the character be able to walk on it somehow, or is it just to show the player?

 

[psgels]

Well, you could use Fotzbaerchen's pixelmovement script. For more information, you could try to see his topic.