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.
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Here is a preview of the final effect I have for this tutorial: (click to enlarge)
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OK Let’s get started!
To complete this tutorial, you will need the following stocks:
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:
Apply the following image adjustment layers on top as clipping masks to the new city layer:
Black and White
Use this layer mask on the black and white adjustment layer:
Levels
Use this layer mask on this levels adjustment layer:
Create a new layer, select the sky portion of the city image and fill it with Black Colour:
Use a soft eraser, fade the bottom of the sky as shown below:
and here is the effect so far:
Step 2: Adding the Matrix Effect in Photoshop
Load the Matrix image into Photoshop, select the following portion:
Copy and paste the selection onto our document, use the Free Transform to distort this layer as shown below, covering the street:
Change the layer blend mode to “Color Dodge” for this Matrix layer:
and here is the effect so far:
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”:
Apply the following layer mask to this new layer:
Place this standing man in the middle of the street, as shown below:
I further enhanced the colours with a Selective Color adjustment layer, and this is the final effect: (click to enlarge)
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.