Weblog Header Tutorial in Pixelmator

This tutorial will guide you through the process of creating a basic header for your blog or homepage with a few simple techniques.

Step 1

Create a new canvas. The dimensions of the canvas should be 600 pixels wide and 250 pixels high.

Step 2

Select the gradient tool and hit the plus (+) button in the corner to create new a linear gradient.

This works best if you choose a dark color that fades into a light color. Set up the gradient to place the dark colors on opposite ends and the lighter color in the middle.

Next, apply the gradient to your canvas.

Step 3

Create a new layer and fill it with black.

Go to Filter > Stylize > Noise, and apply the settings below.

Step 4

Change the blending mode of this noise layer to overlay, and lower the opacity to 15%.

Once this is completed, invert the colors of the layer by going to Image > Invert.

Step 5

Create a new layer and fill it with white.

Grab the Selection tool and trim the top and bottom of the white layer.

Next, change the blending mode to overlay and lower the opacity to 20%.

Step 6

Create a new layer, and then Command+Click the thumbnail for the white box layer to create a selection around it.

Select your gradient tool and fill in the selection. Only adjust the layer that you just created.

Change the blending mode to overlay and the opacity to 10%.

Step 7

Create a new layer and select the brush tool. Choose a 1-pixel brush size.

Hold down the shift key and drag from one end of your canvas to the other in order to create a straight line. Apply it to the top and bottom of the transparent white box.

Change the blending mode to overlay, then duplicate the lines layer.

Step 8

Create a new layer. Select the brush tool and choose a 30-pixel soft brush.

Command+Click on the white box layer thumbnail, then go to Edit > Inverse.

Hold the shift key and drag from one end of your canvas to the other end, near the white box, in order to create the appearance of a shadow. Do this on both the top and bottom selections.

Change the opacity to 40% and bring this layer below all other layers, except for the background and noise layers.

Step 9

Select the text tool and write on the canvas. You can experiment with different fonts and sizes. This tutorial displays the font Chaparral Pro in a font size of 40 pixels.

Change the opacity of the text layer to 85%.

Step 10

Duplicate the text layer, then go to Image > Invert. Drag this inverted text layer below the previous layer and change its opacity to 75%. Next, go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and apply a value of 15.

Conclusion

Now you’re finished! Remember to experiment by varying colors, blending modes, and changing fonts. Try adding new elements to the image, such as patterns, textures, or your own website logo.