20+ Best Photoshop Actions for Creating Dispersion Effects

The dispersion effect is a popular photo editing technique that creates a stunning and visually striking look by breaking up an image on one edge to appear as if it has shattered into tiny fragments. This effect adds an element of dynamism and energy to your finished photos, making them stand out from the crowd.

Creating a dispersion effect manually can be a challenging and time-consuming task. However, Photoshop actions make it easy to produce this effect with just a few clicks. These actions allow you to create a dispersion effect quickly and effortlessly, saving time and effort.

We have a collection of the best dispersion effect Photoshop actions available today, which vary in color options, opacity, texture, and other parameters. These actions provide you with various customization options, enabling you to choose the perfect one for your specific needs.

Whether you’re a designer or photographer, the dispersion effect is a great way to add a unique and creative twist to your photos. With the help of our collection, you can take your photography and designs to the next level and produce stunning, eye-catching images that stand out from the rest.

What is the Dispersion Effect?

The dispersion effect is a creative technique that gives your photos a captivating and dynamic look. It simulates the visual impact of an object or subject breaking apart into small, scattered pieces. This effect adds an element of excitement and energy to your photos, making them stand out.

To achieve the dispersion effect, photographers often use Photoshop actions. They work by separating your subject into fragments and spreading them in various directions, creating a sense of movement and fragmentation.

Whether you want to turn a simple portrait into an eye-catching visual spectacle or transform an ordinary object into an explosive burst of color and shapes, these dispersion effect Photoshop actions can help you achieve that. By using them creatively, you can give your photos a unique and engaging look that captures the viewer’s attention and tells a compelling visual story.

Top Dispersion Effect Actions for Designers

Elementum Dispersion Photoshop Actions

Another great option is the Elementum Dispersion Photoshop Actions. It works by breaking up an area of a photo that you select. You can choose from four different directions to point the dispersion effect, and it’s super easy to use and implement. Other features include ten color presets and graphic elements, and it’s fully editable.

3D Dispersion Photoshop Action

You might also want to consider the 3D Dispersion Photoshop Action. It works similarly to the other dispersion effects on this list with the addition of a three-dimensional particle effect. Select the area you want to add the effect, select a direction, and click play.

Diffusion Photoshop Action

This action diffuses rather than disperses but earns a spot on this list because it provides a similar result. With the Diffusion Photoshop Action, you can create a particle diffusion effect with just a couple of clicks. Pick from four directions and click play. And it comes with a written and video tutorial for reference.

Geometric Dispersion FX Photoshop Extension

The Geometric Dispersion FX Photoshop Extension is an excellent addition to this list. This action breaks apart an image into geometric shards, almost like broken glass, with geometric shapes floating off from the primary picture. It can be enhanced with patterns and shapes as well.

Feathers Dispersion Photoshop Action

Another solid choice is the Feathers Dispersion Photoshop Action. With just a few clicks, you can create a dispersion effect that breaks apart a section of your image into feathers. You can select from five dispersion directions and ten color presets.

Dispersion 2 Photoshop Action

Another option you might want to consider is the Dispersion 2 Photoshop Action. This one is super straightforward. Just brush it on a select area of a photo and press play. That’s all there is to it, and the result makes it look like the subject of your photo is disintegrating.

Tornadum Dispersion Photoshop Action

The Tornadum Dispersion Photoshop action is another fantastic selection you might wish to consider. Once applied to your photo, it makes it appear as though a tornado has broken up the object of the scene and sent pieces of it into a direction you specify. It also comes with ten color presets and is fully editable.

Commetum Cosmic Tail Photoshop Action

The Commetum Cosmic Tail Photoshop Action applies the same dispersion effect to your photo as others on this list but adds a fascinating light element to the mix. The dispersion here looks almost like sparks. It comes with ten color presents, graphic elements, and complete instructions as well.

Ashes n Embers Photoshop Action

This is another excellent effect you might want to try on your photos. The Ashes n Embers Photoshop Action works by creating the appearance of an explosion on an area of your photo that you select. The dispersion looks like ashes and embers drifting away from the subject of your photo. Select the dispersion direction from 10 color presets.

Pixelum Digital Pixelation Photoshop Action

Another option is the Pixelum Digital Pixelation Photoshop Action. This one has four different actions that allow you to select the direction of the dispersion, which looks like the image is breaking down into pixels. It comes with ten color presets, graphic elements, well-organized layers, and a text-file user’s guide.

Sand Dust & Powder Explosion Photoshop Action

The Sand Dust and Powder Explosion Photoshop Action offers a really interesting effect to your photos. It adds the appearance of sand or dust exploding out from a segment of your image. The result is professional, and the action comes with a written and video tutorial to help you figure out how best to use it.

Disturb Intense Distortion Effect Photoshop Action

The Disturb Photoshop Photo Template creates an interesting vertical line distortion to your photos. You can use it on illustrations as well, and the action itself comes with one PSD file, six shape options, and a guide that walks you through its use.

Pixels Poster Photoshop Action

The Pixels Poster Photoshop Action is another fantastic option that makes it look like your photo has burst into pixels and geometric shapes. The action has editable layers, provides multiple colors and elements, and comes with a video tutorial to help you with getting started.

Bubblum Bubble Generator Photoshop Action

You might also want to consider the Bubblum Bubble Generator Photoshop Action. Select an area of the photo you want to disperse, then play the action. This will make t appear as though a segment of your photo is breaking apart into bubbles. Select from four directions, ten color presets, graphic elements, and more.

Sandstorm Photoshop Action

The Sandstorm Photoshop Action makes it appear as though a part of your photo has disintegrated into sand. Just apply it to where you want it to appear, click play, and you’re good to go. Pick from five directions, and you can customize layers as well.

Destrukt Photoshop Action

Another option is the Destrukt Photoshop Action, which makes it look like a part of your image has exploded. Select the direction you want the disbursement to go and click play. That’s it. It comes with a video and written tutorial as well.

Explode & Shatter Photoshop Action

Explode & Shatter Photoshop Action is another fantastic choice. Once applied to your images, the graphics look like they’re shattering apart. It comes with an action file, brush file, pattern file, and a help file to make getting started with this action easier.

Magic Dust Photoshop Action

You might also want to consider the Magic Dust Photoshop Action. This one adds a sense of whimsy and playfulness to your photos. When applied, this action creates a glitter dispersion effect. The action comes with a video tutorial and a Readme file to help you in using it.

StarDust Photoshop Action

What an impact this action could make! The StarDust Photoshop Action only requires filling in your desired subject with color, selecting the effect’s direction, then clicking play. The result is a final image that appears as though it’s broken apart and left streaks of light in its wake.

Pixelated Photoshop Action

Here’s another pixelated Photoshop action that stands to make an impact on your work. Apply it to an area and play the action. The result is a photo whose subject appears to be breaking apart into pixels. It’s an excellent effect that could easily be used in various tech-focused photos.

Pixels Breaking Photoshop Action

And here’s another pixelated effect Photoshop action. This one takes the effect a bit further, and as the pixels are breaking away from your photo’s subject, they get smaller and smaller. It’s a more all-encompassing effect than some of the other pixelated options on this list.

How to Install Photoshop Actions

1. Download and unzip the action file
2. Launch Photoshop
3. Go to Window > Actions
4. Select Load Actions from the menu and go to the folder where you saved the unzipped action file to select it
5. The Action will now be installed
6. To use the newly installed action, locate it in the Action panel
7. Click the triangle to the left of the action name to see the list of available actions
8. Click the action you want to play and press the play button at the bottom of the Actions panel

Conclusion

The dispersion effect can make a bold statement in your photography. Using a Photoshop action streamlines the process, saving you time and effort. Explore our selection of actions to find the perfect customization options to enhance your photography and take it to the next level. We hope you’ve found this collection of Photoshop actions helpful. Good luck!