Backgrounds are an important part of any image whether you design for print or the web. Being able to create original backgrounds quickly is important, but flexibility in design and use is also vital. In this tutorial we walk you through a very simple way to develop a background file that you can quickly rearrange and edit and reuse for any project that needs an edgy background.

 
1. Open a new file in Photoshop based on your design needs. For this tutorial we use a 400px by 400px size canvas, but this is likely too small for most uses.

2. Go to a site like Texture King and download some metal textures. We used four for this tutorial, but you can grab as many as you like.

3. Paste the images onto your canvas and arrange them in such a way as to create lots of overlaps and empty space on your canvas:

 
4. Starting with your top layer (“Layer 4” in our tutorial), set the layer blending mode to Color Dodge and the Opacity to around 70%:

 
5. On your third layer (“Layer 3” for us), set the blending mode to Color Dodge and the Opacity to 60%:

 
6. On your second layer (yep, “Layer 2”), set the blending options to Screen and the Opacity to 75%:

 
7. Now, jump up to the top of your Layers window and create a new layer and paint the layer a solid color using your Paint Bucket Tool or even a gradient if feel like living on the edge:

 
8. On your new layer, set the blending mode to Color and the Opacity to around 70%:

 
You can easily change the color of your background and move the images around as needed to create a new background for a different project. Change the blending mode on some of your upper layers to get certain patterns to emerge or to just create a different look. As always, play with the settings to find your own unique look when printing brochures or promotional posters.