Chromatic Scan Photoshop Effect

Blue flower with orange color trails and vertical scan lines created with Chromatic Scan Photoshop Effect.

A streaked, grainy finish for your images

Chromatic Scan adds vertical scan lines and soft color trails to your images, with fine grain across the surface. The subject stays recognizable as its colors stretch below it. Use it on portraits, flowers, buildings, or everyday objects for posters, covers, and campaign graphics.

The effect is built into a layered Photoshop PSD. Open the image Smart Object, replace the sample with your own artwork, and save. Keep the blue-and-orange palette shown here, choose one of the four Gradient Map presets, or edit the colors yourself.

Adjust the colors and texture

Flower, geometric cube, and marble bust sharing the blue-and-orange Chromatic Scan editorial treatment.
Before-and-after marble bust showing the Chromatic Scan effect, Smart Object editing, and editable colors.

Scan lines and color trails

Fine vertical lines break up the image, while soft streaks extend its colors. Your subject remains recognizable beneath the distortion.

Editable Gradient Maps

The PSD includes four Gradient Map presets alongside the base color treatment. Edit them to match your artwork or reuse a palette across several images.

Grain and background

Adjust the fine grain and set the background color to suit your layout, whether you need a pale backdrop or a darker, higher-contrast image.

Smart Object editing

Replace the image inside the Smart Object and save to update the effect. You can return to the Smart Object to edit or replace your artwork at any time.

Architecture artwork in blue-orange, peach-pink, magenta, and green Gradient Map color variations.

Where to use it

Editorial illustrations. Use a portrait, building, or object to illustrate a technology, culture, science, or finance story.

Album covers and gig posters. Start with a cutout image, then add the artist name, title, or event details around it.

Brand and social campaigns. Reuse a Gradient Map across launch graphics, carousels, banners, and presentation covers to keep the colors consistent.

Botanical artwork. Apply the effect to flowers and leaves for posters, packaging concepts, or seasonal graphics.

Architecture and landmarks. Use a recognizable building as the main image for an exhibition poster, city guide, or cultural event.

Conceptual illustrations. Add the streaked effect to a familiar object for a story about memory, movement, change, or digital technology.

For a series: Keep the palette and typography the same, then change the subject. This gives a flower, sculpture, and building a consistent look.

Template details

  • 1 layered Photoshop PSD

  • 3000 × 2000 px landscape canvas

  • 300 ppi resolution

  • Smart Object image replacement

  • 4 editable Gradient Map presets, plus the base treatment

  • Vertical scan lines and luminous color trails

  • Adjustable fine grain and background color

  • Illustrated PDF user guide

How to use it

  1. Open the PSD in Photoshop and place your artwork inside the image Smart Object.

  2. Save the Smart Object, then customize the Gradient Map, grain, and background.

  3. Export your finished composition for your design project.

Frequently asked questions

 

More photo effects

Try Glass Distortion Photo Effects for a refracted image or Creative Sketch Photo Effect for a hand-drawn look. Both are sold separately.

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