Install Photoshop Brushes: Downloading and Importing

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Get new packs for your brush library

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Want to add new brushes to Photoshop? It’s easy! Download a brush pack online, then import it to Photoshop. Brushes are a versatile tool that can be used for basic sketching, digital painting, and more. This wikiHow guide will show you how to quickly install Photoshop brushes.

Things You Should Know

  • Download a brush pack from a reputable source.
  • Brush packs are typically a .zip folder with a .abr file inside.
  • To add the brush pack, go to Window > Brushes > hamburger menu > Import Brushes .
Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Downloading New Brushes

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    There are hundreds of options, from painting sets to textured brushes. Photoshop has a ton of tools , but the brush is a go-to for many Photoshop users. A few trustworthy sites for brush packs include: [1]
    • DeviantArt
    • Creative Market
    • Design Cuts
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    Most brushes will come as ZIP files, compressed folders that hold the brushes data. When you find one you like, download it to your computer. [2]
    • If you want to find the brushes again after downloading, click and drag the zip file to your desktop. This will make them easier to find later.
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    Open the ZIP file . You'll need a ZIP extractor program if you don't have one — but, Windows and Mac computers typically have built-in extractor tools.
    • On Windows, right-click the ZIP file and select Extract .
    • On Mac, double-click on the ZIP file to open it.
    • If your version of Windows doesn’t have built-in extraction, try a common third-party program like 7ZIP, ZIP Archive, or WinRAR.
    • If you can't find the ZIP file, check your Downloads folder.
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    This is a Photoshop Brush file. There will be several files in your folder, but the .abr file is necessary. If you don't see a .abr file, erase the whole folder and look for a new brush set.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Adding New Brushes to Photoshop

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    Then select Brushes to open the Brushes panel. [3]
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    It’s the hamburger icon (a few horizontal lines) in the top-right of the Brushes panel.
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    Then, click Open . This will install the brush pack on Photoshop. You’re ready to start brushing!
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    This will add them to your library. Photoshop will automatically organize the brushes.
    • This might not work in some versions of Photoshop.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://creativemarket.com/blog/how-to-install-use-photoshop-brushes
      2. ↑ http://akvis.com/en/photoshop-tips/load-brush.php
      3. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop-brushes.html

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