In this tutorial, we’ll be creating a dark, modern contact form in Photoshop. We’ll use some layer styles and some basic effects to give a metal cut-out look. Nothing too fancy but some pretty effective styles.

Final Image Preview

Step 1

Create a new 800×800 document in Photoshop.¬† Select a dark grey to black gradient and fill in the background.

Step 2

Add noise to your background layer (Filter>Noise>Add Noise). Use just a slight amount of noise to create a subtle texture.

Step 3

Create the form box. With a medium grey selected (#8a8a8a) draw out a rounded rectangle in the center of your background. Add a similar noise texture to your box.

Step 4

Apply some layers styles to the form box. Add a minimal drop shadow and 1px stroke to clean up the edges and add a little depth.

Step 5

Draw out your input boxes. For this simple form, we’ll just be using a Name field, Email field, and Comment field. With a dark grey selected (#353434) draw out 2 single line inputs and a larger text area box.

Step 6

Apply layer styles to the new boxes. Apply a gradient overlay similar to the background layer to give some some contrast and interest.

Apply an inner shadow to give the input box a cut-out appearance.

Accent the inner shadow with a slight white drop shadow. This emphasizes the cut-out and completes the illusion.

Step 7

Next, it’s onto the submit button. Create another rounded box below the text area box. Color doesn’t matter as we’ll be applying a gradient in the next step.

Step 8

Add a red to dark red linear gradient to the button.

Add a drop shadow to add depth and contrast the input boxes.

Step 9

Add the “Submit” text. I’m using Helvetica Neue Bold, font size 18px. Add a drop shadow to the text for a little punch.

Step 10

Let’s create the checkbox circle. Draw out a dark red circle onto the submit button. Apply the following layer styles to give it a cut-out look, similar to the input boxes.

Step 11

Choose a checkbox from the custom shapes tool menu.

Draw out a white checkbox and add a slight drop shadow.

Step 12

With the form elements complete, let’s add some titles and instructions. Type out your title. I’m using the font ChunkFive. Type out “Contact Us”, “Name”, “Email”, and “Message” using the same red font.

Step 13

Apply an inner shadow to your titles.

Step 14

Add some instructions and some dummy fill text to complete the design.

Download the PSD

I’ve also made available the PSD file for you to download and compare.

Download the Dark Contact PSD

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