In this tutorial you will learn how to create a really nice 3d cube.

  1. First of all, open a new document: File – New.. with the following dimensions: Width:400 px and Height: 400 px.

  2. Add a new layer (Layer – New – Layer.. call it “cube” – OK or Shift + CTRL + N). Use Polygonal Lasso Tool and create a selection like the one in the picture. Using Brush Tool, select the desired color (purple in this case) and cover all the selected surface.

  3. Now you will create the interior of the cube. Create a new layer (Layer – New – Layer… – call it “interior” – OK)

    To create the interior of the cube, we’ll need to make 3 parts, using Polygonal Lasso Tool. 

    For the first part: Select the left side with Polygonal Lasso Tool, color it with the same color (purple) and use Burn Tool in the lower side and the right side.

    Now repeat the same steps for the next 2 sides (down and right)

  4. Move the “interior” layer above the “cube” layer. Right click on it, Blending Options – change the opacity to 40% – Opacity: 40%.

  5. Now you will modify the superior side of the cube.
    Open a new layer and select the future edges of the cube using Polygonal Lasso Tool like in the following image:
     

    Cover the selection with Brush Tool (using white) then right click on the layer – Blending Options – check from the left menu Outer glow and apply the following settings:
    Opacity : 35%
    Spread: 15-20%
    Size: 27 px


  6. To add more details, add a new layer, use Polygonal Lasso Tool and draw (select and color) a section like the one in the following image:

    Right click on the layer – Blending Option – change the transparency: Opacity: 20%. 

    Repeat step 6 for the other sides using other shapes.

  7. To make a different aspect, select the “interior” layer – right click on it – Blending Options – Blend Mode: Overlay.Then, from the top menu: Filter – Artistic – Neon Glow (with the settings: Glow size= +24, Glow Brightness= 50)

  8. Then, still from the top menu: Filter – Artistic – Plastic Wrap (with the following settings: Highlight Strength=7, Detail= 9, Smoothness = 6) The values can be changed after your preferences.And this is how the final result should look like: