Photoshop: How to create Download Icon

This time I’m going to show you how to make a download icon that you can use to replace your old download button. It only uses a few techniques but resembles great result, so let’s gets started!

Step 1 – Background

Create a new document with size 256 x 256 pixels and resolution 100 pixel/inch. Create new blank layer and left it. Then double click layer background to unlock that layer and delete it. Name this new layer with Base.

Step 2 – Base Icon

Use Pen Tool (P) and draw shape like image below. Use yellow (#ffff23) for the color. Rasterize this layer and set the opacity to 50%. Make a new layer, name it with HG or Highlight. Again use Pen Tool (P) to draw a white shape on left of Base layer.

Step 3

Rasterize HG shape and go to Filter – Blur – Gaussian Blur, set the value to 3px. Change the blending mode to Screen and lower the opacity to 75%. Create a new layer, name it with Line and draw line like image below. Use black color for the line. Change this layer’s opacity to 40%.

Step 4

Create a new layer, name it with Shadow and create 2 gradients using Gradient Tool (G). Use selection to select different place of gradient. Change the blending mode to Darken and the opacity 40%. Don’t forget bring back Base’s opacity to 100%.

Step 5

Paint some shadow placed at valley fold inside base. Paint them on new layer named with Fold Shadow. Change the opacity of this layer to 20%. Create a new layer, name it with File. Draw file shape using bone white (#F1F1F1). Give Stroke Layer style to this layer. Create shadow between file and base front cover at new layer named File Shadow.

Step 6

Create a new layer named File Fold, Line Tool to make a folding at file, use color #CBCBCB. I think it will be nicer if we put some shadow underneath File Fold, so let’s brush shadow using black color and place it at a new layer. Use the selection tools to filter the area you want to fill with. Change the opacity to 50%.

Step 7

Now we’re going to add down arrow shape –that usually appears on a download icon with green color- on the front of folder image. Create a new layer, name it with Arrow. Use Custom Shape tool to create a green (#00C000) colored shape. Set the shape parameter with arrow right. Transform this shape like below.

Step 8

Let’s give this layer with layer style. Click the layer style button on the bottom of layer window and then select Inner Shadow and Gradient Overlay. Set the parameter like below.

Step 9

The last step we need is adding some shadow under our icon. Grab Rectangular Marquee Tool and select like image below. Create a new layer under other layer and name it with Icon Shadow, choose black color and fill in the selection. Go to Filter – Blur – Gaussian Blur. Set the parameter like this. Then reduce the opacity to 70%.

Result

That's all and we're finished.