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Using the pixel stretch technique and polar coordinates, you can create interesting pixel swirls. This neat little effect that can be used with any picture & in any project, and it only takes a few quick steps!
 

Step 1:  Using any size document, grab an image you want to experiment with and size it accordingly.

Step 2: Using the Single Column Marquee Tool, select an area of the image you wish to use for the pixel stretch. Keep in mind that when using the Single Column Marquee Tool, you are selecting an area that is 1 pixel in width.

Step 3: Right click on your selection and choose "Layer via copy". You won't really see anything different but what this does is create a new layer with just the 1 pixel wide area that you selected. We want to stretch the 1 pixel wide area so go to Edit > Transform > Scale.

Step 4: Grab the middle handles and stretch them all the way to the left and right, then hit ENTER on your keyboard. This should give you a standard pixel stratch as shown on the left.

Step 5: The final step is to apply the swirl effect. To do this, go to Filter > Distort > Polar Coordinates and make sure "Rectangular to Polar" is selected. You should end up with a nice swirl that resembles the one opposite.

And how is this little effect useful? Well, its great for backgrounds - I used it when I created the Jennifer Love Hewitt wallpaper below. Enjoy!

- Tutorial written by Jacorre

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