In this tutorial you will learn how to add clouds in Photoshop in just a few easy ways. To create clouds in Photoshop from scratch is difficult so we'll use clouds brushes and clouds textures instead.

Supplies

For this tutorial you will need to download these resources:

Clouds Overlay
Cloud Brush Photoshop (The PS brushes are compatible with other Graphic Design Tools)
Clouds Texture (for Sky Replacement)

Step 1: Open Your Photo in Photoshop

First, you have to open your photo in Photoshop. It has to be an outside photo with a clear sky without other existing clouds.

Step 2: Method 1 - Add Clouds in Photoshop Using Clouds Overlay

Download the Clouds Overlay image and add it in a new layer over your photo.

Step 3: Set the Blend Mode to Screen

Set the blend mode of the Clods Texturelayer to Screen. You will get this realistic clouds effect.

This will only work with overlay textures that usually have black background.

Step 4: Create a Layer Mask

Go to the Photo layer and use the Magic Wand Tool to select the sky area. Keep the SHIFT key press to add to selection.

The, go to the Clouds Texture layer and click on the Add Layer Mask button. Now the clouds are only visible on the sky as they should be.

Step 5: Method 2 - Add Clouds in Photoshop Using Clouds Brushes

For this second method we'll use a Cloud Brush to add clouds in Photoshop. First, you have to download the clouds brushes and load them in Photoshop.

Create a new layer above your Photo layer called Clouds Brushes.

First you have to set the Foreground Color to white. Then, pick the Brush tool and choose a cloud brush from the list. Use different opacity levels and brush sizes to create a realistic cloud effect.

TIP:If you are using other graphic design software that does not support Photoshop brushes, use this Cloud PNG set.

Step 6: Method 3 - Add Clouds to Photo Online

Now you know how to how to add clouds in Photoshop using two different yet effective methods.

But, how to make clouds in Photoshop if you don't have Photoshop? There are lots of online graphic design tools that can help you do that.

Use this free online graphic design tool to create the cloud effect. First you have to Upload your photo. Then, go to Elements > Effects > Clouds & Sky and there you have lots of PG images, textures and overlays to play with.

If you use a Cloud Overlay, that app must have blending modes to use the Screen blend mode. Otherwise you must use a cloud PNG image.

Step 7: Cloud Photoshop Action

There are lots of other methods to add clouds in Photoshop. And, if you are looking for other cool effects that you can make with clouds, check out these Photoshop actions:

You can easily create a cloud text or beautiful cloud shapes like shown in the preview images.

Step 8: In Conclusion

In this tutorial I have presented you useful techniques and tools to add clouds in Photoshop, to create realistic cloud effects, cloud text and even cloud shapes. It will take you up to 10 minutes to create awesome results.

Adding clouds is one of the easiest way to transform dull photos into beautiful eye catching photographs.