Changing Overlay and Stroke Effects in Photoshop

Changing Overlay Effects
Shadows, being based in reality, are the kinds of effects you will find yourself using frequently. On the other hand, you’ll probably use overlay effects only occasionally, if at all. In most cases, overlays are reserved for the realm of the special effect. But in case you need to apply an overlay, here are the options:

- Color Overlay: Adjust the Blend Mode, Opacity, and Color settings of the overlay. This effect, along with the Gradient Overlay and Pattern Overlay, is best used with an opacity setting of less than 100% or a Blend Mode other than Normal. That way, the elements underneath aren’t totally obliterated.
- Gradient Overlay: Choose a preset gradient from the drop-down Gradient picker or click the Gradient swatch to access the Gradient Editor to create your own. The Align with Layer option uses the bounding box of the layer to calculate the gradient. Specify the angle, style (Linear or Radial), and scale of the gradient. Reverse flips the gradient. Adjust Blend Modes and Opacity settings.
- Pattern Overlay: Choose a preset pattern from the Pattern picker drop-down palette. Snap to Origin and Link with Layer work the same as with Bevel and Emboss. Choose Blend Modes and Opacity settings.

Changing Stroke Effects
Specify the size of your stroke in pixels and whether you want it to ride the outside, center, or inside of the edge of the element. Determine the Blend Mode and Opacity settings. And finally, specify whether to fill your stroke with a color, gradient, or pattern. Choose your desired color, gradient, or pattern from the corresponding options.