Making an eyeball in Photoshop
This tutorial creates a stylized eyeball with ellipse shapes, a gradient overlay and simple highlights, then places the iris inside a larger eye shape.
1. Create the document and choose the Ellipse Tool
Create a new file such as eyeball.psd, then select the Ellipse Tool from the toolbar.
2. Draw a perfect circle
Hold Shift while drawing to keep the iris shape circular.
3. Open Layer Style
Double-click the layer containing the circle to open its Layer Style options.
4. Apply a Gradient Overlay
Choose Gradient Overlay to add tonal variation to the circular iris shape.
5. Use a linear gradient
Choose the Linear style from the Gradient Overlay options.
6. Adjust the gradient
Refine the gradient until the circle has the desired eyeball or iris appearance.
7. Add white highlights
Add small white dots or highlights to make the iris appear more natural and glossy.
8. Review the iris
At this stage the circular iris effect is complete.
9. Draw the outer eye shape
Use the Ellipse Tool or the shape workflow shown in the original tutorial to create the surrounding eye shape.
10. Position the iris
Move the iris into the center of the surrounding eye shape.
11. Check the combined eye
Adjust the position and proportions until the eye shape looks balanced.
12. Fill the eye and finish
Fill the outer eye with white while keeping the border and iris visible. Add any additional effects you want.
Further Reading
Subhendu Mohapatra
Author & Instructor at plus2net
I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.
