Glossy Black Button Icons
Posted on 26. Jul, 2009
by Tutorials Etc in Icons
Today's Etc Tutorial is a glossy black button icon. We will also be creating the accompanying spot light background effect. The check mark is a standard Photoshop shape.
Here we’re going to show you how to create the 3D Glossy Black Button Icons on WebtreatsETC.
Step #1
Create a new document 600px * 600px at 72dpi as seen below.

Step #2
Then create a new color fill layer by going to LAYER >> NEW FILL LAYER >> COLOR in the menu and choose the value #000000 as shown below.

Step #3
To add some lighting to the background first rasterize the color fill layer you just created by right clicking on the layer and choosing RASTERIZE LAYER . Then add the by going to FILTER >> RENDER >> LIGHTING EFFECTS in the menu and entering the settings below.

Step #4
Now lets create the circular base of the icon. To do this activate the shape tool by pressing U. Make sure the circle tool is selected then draw out a circle similar to the one shown below.

Step #5
Activate the layer styles pallet by going to LAYER >> LAYER STYLE >> BLENDING OPTIONS in the menu. Then enter the settings below.

Step #6
To create the shadow that helps give these icons their 3D look first create a new layer beneath the square layer you just created. Activate the brush tool by typeing B. Choose a simple round brush, set the opacity to 50%, the size to 25, and the sharpness to 0, then paint in a rough shadow around the base of the icon as seen below.
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Step #7
To clean up the shadow first apply a motion blur filter by going to FILTER >> BLUR >> MOTION BLUR in the menu and entering the settings below.
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Step #8
To clean up the shadow further apply a gaussian blur filter by going to FILTER >> BLUR >> GAUSSIAN BLUR in the menu and entering the settings below.

STEP #9
Now above the square layer create a new layer by going to LAYER >> NEW >> LAYER in the menu. Activate the shape tool by typeing U. Make sure the custom shape tool is selected then choose the built in check mark shape and drag out a shape similar to the one below.

Step #10
Activate the layer styles pallet on the checkmark layer you just created and enter the settings below.

That’s it!
You should now have something like what you see below.
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Didn’t get the exact same results? Want to save some time? Download the source files below.
What’s Included in the Download:
• Fully layered source PSD
• .ASL file containing both the layer styles needed to create the icons
BONUS: 36 fully layered popular icons in this style as seen in the preview.


























Alec
17. Sep, 2009
I love this icon set and I’m trying to apply it to my company logo but to no avail.
I am hoping to find someone who could take my company logo and give it this effect. I will pay for your work.
Just post a comment here if anyone is interested. I’ll send you the photo and we can arrange payment.
Thanks,
Alec
Bill
22. Sep, 2009
Sweet tutorial.
Alec, maybe i could help you with your logo.
My e-mail is pappous.soulis@gmail.com
Steve
24. Nov, 2009
Can you post the settings you used for the custom contour?
Pamela
25. Nov, 2009
Hi Steve ~ here’s a screenshot of closeups of both custom contours used:
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13. Jan, 2010