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Home»Photo Effect»How to Create a Matrix Movie Effect with an Urban City in Photoshop
Photo Effect

How to Create a Matrix Movie Effect with an Urban City in Photoshop

By James QuMarch 15, 20254 Mins Read
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Updated for Photoshop 2025 compatibility as of March 15, 2025.

In this Photoshop tutorial, you’ll master the Matrix movie effect by transforming an urban city into a sci-fi masterpiece using layer blending and filter effects.

We will practice a number of photo manipulation techniques such as layer blending, image adjustments, free transform and filter effects.

The PSD file of this tutorial is available via the PSD Vault VIP members area.

Here is a preview of the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)

Urban city with Matrix movie effect created in Photoshop

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OK Let’s get started!

To complete this tutorial, you will need the following stocks:

City

Matrix

Man

Step 1: Setting Up Your Urban City Base

Create a new document sized 1400px * 780px, copy and paste the city image onto our new document as shown below:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Apply the following image adjustment layers on top as clipping masks to the new city layer:

Black and White

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Use this layer mask on the black and white adjustment layer:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Levels

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Use this layer mask on this levels adjustment layer:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Create a new layer, select the sky portion of the city image and fill it with Black Colour:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Use a soft eraser, fade the bottom of the sky as shown below:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

and here is the effect so far:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Step 2: Adding the Matrix Effect in Photoshop

Load the Matrix image into Photoshop, select the following portion:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Copy and paste the selection onto our document, use the Free Transform to distort this layer as shown below, covering the street:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Change the layer blend mode to “Color Dodge” for this Matrix layer:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

and here is the effect so far:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Step 3 – Using Layer Blending for Depth

Copy and paste the Matrix effect once more, this time we cover the entire image with it. Set the layer blend mode to “Color Dodge”:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Apply the following layer mask to this new layer:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

Place this standing man in the middle of the street, as shown below:

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

I further enhanced the colours with a Selective Color adjustment layer, and this is the final effect: (click to enlarge)

Photoshop screenshot showing Matrix effect layer blending on urban city

That’s it for this tutorial! Hope you enjoy it and find it useful. Till next time, have a great day!

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Matrix Movie Effect in Photoshop

Take your urban city design with the Matrix movie effect to the next level with these expert tips and creative twists. Whether you’re refining your Photoshop skills or experimenting with sci-fi aesthetics, these suggestions will help you achieve a more polished and authentic result.

  • Experiment with Green Hue Variations: The Matrix is famous for its green digital rain. After applying the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer, tweak the green tint slightly (e.g., Hue between +60 and +80) to avoid an overly uniform look. Add a subtle gradient overlay with darker greens at the edges for depth.
  • Add Digital Glitches: For a true Matrix vibe, incorporate subtle glitches. Use the Rectangular Marquee Tool to select small sections of your urban city, apply a slight Wave filter (Filter > Distort > Wave), and reduce the opacity. This mimics the flickering code effect from the movie.
  • Layer in Authentic Textures: Download a free “digital rain” PNG or create your own using Photoshop’s Noise filter (Filter > Noise > Add Noise). Set the blending mode to Screen or Overlay and adjust opacity to blend it seamlessly with your cityscape. This adds complexity without overpowering the design.
  • Enhance Lighting for Drama: The Matrix aesthetic thrives on contrast. Duplicate your city layer, apply a Levels adjustment (Image > Adjustments > Levels), and boost the shadows and highlights. Then, use a soft brush with a green-tinted glow on a new layer to spotlight key buildings or areas.
  • Try a Custom Brush for Details: Create a simple square brush (Edit > Define Brush Preset) and adjust its Scattering settings in the Brush panel. Use it to paint faint, randomized code-like patterns over the sky or foreground, mimicking the falling symbols from the film.

Further Readings

Create Surreal Girl in Water Scene in Photoshop

matrix movie
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James Qu
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James is a seasoned Photoshop expert with over 25 years of experience, mastering the software since its 5.0 version. As the driving force behind PSD Vault, he authors the majority of its in-depth tutorials and insightful articles.

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