Assumed knowledge: Basic Photoshop skills
Concepts covered: How to create scanlines and use them effectivelyScanlines can make all the difference in digital artwork if used effectively. This tutorial goes through everything you need to start using and creating scanlines.

To begin with we need to create some scanlines. There are infinite types of patterns you can have for your scanlines. The most popular type of scan lines used are the diagonal lines. So create a new 3 by 3 pixel document, zoom in as far as you can and select the Pencil tool from the Tool bar under brush. Then create a similar patten to the one shown.

If you want to you can create a line coming in from the other side or invert the whole image for a stronger effect. I suggest doing them all and a bit more to get a good pattern set going. When your done select Edit>>Define Patten from the menu and then name your pattern.

To use the scan lines select any area in a documnent that you wish to use with any of the selection tools and then select Edit>>Fill>>Pattern>>your pattern. From here you can select the type of blend that you want.

General Scanline tips

-If you want to fill the whole document with scanlines then press Ctrl + A and fill.

-If your using scanlines to cover the image in a signature and don’t want scanlines on the render then use the eraser to clear/fade out the lines around the render.

-You can add more effects to the scanlines like eveything else in PS. Just go through and edit the blending options on the layer.

-If you want scanlines that aren’t too strong I suggest selecting Overlay or Softlight as the blend and 20-10% opacity.

-If you want great scanline patterns then some art website have downloadable packs that you can use.

-Don’t overuse scanlines as they can become intrusive on the image.