There a lot of space tutorials out there some are better than others, i have managed to try and select a few of what I think can allow you to get great effects that look like they belong and don’t look completely Photoshopped.
I tried to be as varied as possible so there are tutorials for creating planets, stars, nebulas and atmospheric type gasses. The great thing is that they lay down the building blocks to experiment and create you own stunning universe.
Gas bursts and Atmosphere
This tutorial shows you how to create some great gas explosions coming from the planets atmosphere with some pretty simple tools, yet looks stunning
Realistic Star fields
Create realistic star fields, the trick with this one is to be totally random and keep building up your layers the end result will speak for it self, with an image that looks like its evolving.
Simple Star fields
Create simple yet affective star fields in 8 easy steps.
Realistic Galaxy
I think if you have the time to do this tutorial it would be very worth while, the end result is very realistic and it seems is one of few great galaxy tutorials.
Realistic Space Nebula
This is a much simpler way to create a Nebula with different techniques but with a similar stunning result.
Space Nebula
How to create a space nebula that looks like its bursting at the seems and full of life, you will need to download a brush pack for this tutorial, but the link is broken on the tutorial site to download them, but don’t worry I have managed to find them for you here: Rust-n-Grunge brushes
Make a Planet
One of my favourites as it is relatively easy to accomplish yet the planet can look totally realistic with its surface glow and texture effect.
Planet Tutorial
This is a similar tutorial to the one above but will show you what other outcomes can be achieved with this method.
Create an Asteroid from scratch
A smart and simple way to create a realistic looking asteroids from nothing but photoshop. If you cant view the tutorial you can find it on this tutorial page instead
Creating Planet Rings
An extremly fast and simple way to add rings around your planet like Saturn has.
Vivid Space Nebula
With this Nebula tutorial it shows a different technique using Photoshops preset brushes and filters to create a vivid result.
End Of The World
I think the end result could be better but i like the way the glowing crater and asteroids were created i think with some more motivation the end result could look truly amazing.
Space Explosion
Quite a lengthy tutorial but a few smart ideas as well such as using a garden rock as an asteroid, with a pleasant explosion to great affect
Fiery Photoshop Space Explosion
A very dramatic explosion with terrific light effects.
Creating a Brushed Nebula
This one is different again and is created by using a brushing technique which gives it a unique look, i would say this is quite an advanced technique and would take much longer than most of the others listed. If you cant view the tutorial you can find it on this tutorial page instead
Light Effects In Space
A modern take on lighting effects to create a spectrum of colour within space.
Author of this post: Max Stanworth
Iam the creator and editor of Design Shard, I created this blog to post my inspirations, work and free resources that I hope others find interesting too you can also follow me on twitter @designshard. See all posts by: Max Stanworth
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Chandu: Nice collection thanks for providing the...
assurance: I was looking for that kind of texture. ...
scooter: Thank you for these texture pack. Very u...
just awesome, thanks !!
space nebula and galaxy is totally awesome tuts.
they look so real.
Ohh Great Stuff .. i’ll use this idea … Will watch tutorial of this effect lovely thanks :)
Great tutorials, I really enjoy playing around with photos of space and these tutorials gave me some great ideas.
Great Ideas, Thanks
I was planning to complete a space scene this weekend! Thank you!
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I like space, my head is full of it.
Great tut, theres not a lot of tuts on space and planets.
Great tutorial. The surface glow and texture effect is awesome. Not sure where I can use it on a website project, but I” try!. Thanks.
Great list thanks. :)
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Aah nice, a few new ones. I’ve seen a few of these before, intense what photoshop can do. Kudos!
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These are some great tutorials. I have been looking around for things like this for too long to remember, it has been trial and error; now I have something to go off of. Thanks! Regards!
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Wonderful effects! Really cool!
Great list! Thanks for sharing!
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This is a very good post! With the extra efforts put into showing the Before and After images for each tutorial :D Thanks Max!
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@marco – The asteroid tut is meant to link to an image, that is where the tutorial is, some times it doesnt show up for me but it can be found on this page http://www.solarvoyager.com/tutorials.asp 4th tut from the top same with the brushed nebula tut
Ive fixed the galaxy link.
Thanks for the encouraging comments every one
Woow Very very goood ;)
http://www.designshard.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/space-atmosphere.jpg
Another ways to create spectacular backgrounds. Results look impressive.
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Cool collection but you have some linking mistakes here.
The galaxy one links to the nebula tutorial and the asteroid one links to an image instead of a tutorial. There may be some more mistakes, these are the ones I spotted just now.
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I’m so excited to try all of these out!! They look fantastic! Great job! :)
Those are really great tutorials, thanks for sharing!
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Some nice tuts here, thanks for sharing :)
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I like the effects!
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@sascha – No probs, it has an awesome realsitic end result, one of the best!
Awesome! You covered a lot of good stuff here and thanks for linking to the Galaxy tute! I’m sure I will have the need for some of the others as well soon.
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