Summary: Create an all-time classic effect in Photoshop in a way that is both easy and flexible, then add the same effect to other photos instantly.

Written by Steve Patterson
Exclusively for Photoshop Essentials.com.

Part of our complete collection of Photo Effects tutorials.

One of the all-time classic effects in Photoshop is the burnt edge, and there's lots of different ways to create it, but in this Adobe Photoshop tutorial, we're going to look at a way that's not only easy, it's also extremely flexible.

We'll be using a Curves adjustment layer to create the initial effect, and then we'll see how easy it is to fine-tune it and create different variations. Finally, we'll see how to easily add the finished effect to other photos without having to redo anything.

Here's the photo I'll be using for this Photoshop tutorial:

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Let's get started!

Step 1: Add A Curves Adjustment Layer

The first thing we're going to do is add a Curves adjustment layer. If you've never used Curves before or you're not very comfortable with it, don't worry, what we'll be doing here is simple. Click on the New Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers palette:

Then select Curves from the list of adjustment layers:

This brings up the Curves dialog box. As I mentioned, if you're not familiar or comfortable with using Curves yet, don't worry. We just need to do one simple thing here. See that little square in the top right corner that I've circled in red:

All we're going to be doing is moving it, and we'll do that next.