Filter Gallery is a handy browser of Filters which is a very useful and interactive tool for checking out the result of applying the filters on your image. At the same time it lists the various available filters and can show an instant preview of the final image. Filter Gallery lets one stack the filters on top of each other to create a unique complex effect. By clicking the New Effect Layer button, and selecting another filter, you can stack multiple filters. To expand the filter types, just click the folders in the list of filter. Filter Gallery makes it easier to preview the effect and edit all its settings until the desired result is met.

Fading a Filter

It is fun to tweak the settings of various filters and check the spectacular combined results as well. In Photoshop you will find the handy Fade Filter facility that controls the intensity of the filter’s effects. The fading filters are helpful in giving the required quantity of filter effect to your image or the selection. To access the fading filter feature you just choose Edit>>Fade or you can access by pressing Shift+Ctrl+F.

Tip: Use the preview option in Fade Filter facility that enables you to see the preview of your image which is different from original one.

Third Party filters

If you are not satisfied with the amount of the inbuilt filters in Photoshop; it allows you to obtain filters from outside. There are many filter development companies. A few leading filter companies are:

• Alienskin
• Andromeda software
• AutoFX Software
• Corel
• Extensis
• Flaming Pear
• Panopticum LLC

You can easily install these filters into your Photoshop environment. Many just need to be copied into the plugins directory of Photoshop whereas others require the installation of an application. Thankfully the latter usually come in packages with easy to understand guides. Check out our plugin directory for a list of available plugins.

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