The key to a torn edge is irregularity. Start from a rectangular selection, break the edges up with a brush inside Quick Mask, run a Pixelate filter for the frayed look, then color it with a clipping mask. Works well for grunge posters and vintage covers.
Before you start:
- Open Online PS (zaixianps.cc).
- File → Open → select a local image.
Step-by-step:
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Use the Rectangular Marquee tool (M) to drag out a rectangular selection on the canvas.
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Press Q to enter Quick Mask (a red overlay appears on the image).
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Open Filter → Pixelate → Mosaic and set Cell Size to 20‑30, then click OK.
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Press Q again to leave Quick Mask; the selection is still a dashed rectangle.
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Click New Layer above the Layers panel and fill that layer with white using the Paint Bucket (G).
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Choose Select → Modify → Contract, enter 5‑10 px (adjust to the image size) and click OK.
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Run Filter → Pixelate → Mosaic again, this time with Cell Size set to 8‑12, then click OK.
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Select the original layer, press Ctrl+J to duplicate it, and drag the copy to the very top.
Right-click the duplicate → Create Clipping Mask so it only shows inside the white gaps.
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With the duplicate still selected, press Ctrl+T (Free Transform), right-click → Flip Horizontal, then drag it slightly so the two sides go out of alignment — that is the offset-tear look.
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Adjust the duplicate's Opacity or Blend Mode as needed, or hand-paint details with the Eraser (E) or Brush (B) to make the torn edge more natural.
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When finished, use File → Export As → PNG/JPEG to save the artwork.
References
- Adobe Photoshop official documentation
- HTML5 and the principles of modern front-end image processing
- Online PS