Dispersion effects create a really cool look in your finished photos. This effect basically works by taking an image and then breaking up on one edge so that it appears as though it’s been broken up into tiny pieces. As you might imagine, trying to create this image manually would be quite tedious. However, this can be easily remedied by the use of a Photoshop action.

There are several Photoshop actions that make it possible to create a dispersion effect with just a few clicks. And for your convenience, we’ve compiled a few of them here today.

While these actions share a similar theme, they do vary in terms of color options, opacity, texture, and several other variables. Take a look for yourself!

Dispersion Photoshop Action

First up is the Dispersion Photoshop Action. This one is super easy to use. Just brush it over the area of the photo you want to disperse, choose a direction you want the dispersion effect go, and play the action. That’s it! It comes with a Readme file you can reference for guidance on how to use the action as well.

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 10 color presets, 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. Just select the area you want to add the effect, select a direction, then click play.

Diffusion Photoshop Action

This action diffuses rather than disperses, but earns a spot on this list because it provides a similar end 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 great addition to this list. This action breaks a part 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 10 color presets.

Dispersion 2 Photoshop Action

Another option you might want to consider 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 end 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 10 color presets and is fully editable.

Commetum Cosmic Tail Photoshop Action

The Commetum Cosmic Tail Photoshop Action applies the same kind of dispersion effect to your photo as others on this list but adds a really interesting light element to the mix. The dispersion here looks almost like sparks. It comes with 10 color presents, graphic elements, and full instructions as well.

Ashes n Embers Photoshop Action

This is another really cool 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 and 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 10 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 end 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 a really interesting vertical line distortion to your photos. You can use it on illustrations as well and the action itself comes with one PSD file, 6 shape options, and a full guide that walks you through its use.

Cortisol Photoshop Action

The Cortisol Photoshop Action is a really impactful effect. Apply it to your photos with a couple of clicks and add a real sense of drama to your artwork. The actions comes with an action and pattern file, an illustrated tutorial, well-organized layers, color filters, and more.

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, 10 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 to smithereens. 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, it makes 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 as well as 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 that fill in your desired subject with a color, select the direction of the effect, then click play. The end 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 end result is a photo whose subject appears to be breaking apart into pixels. It’s a really cool effect that could easily be used in a variety of 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.

Dispersion effects can make a bold statement in your photography. And instead of trying to figure out how to accomplish this effect on your own, it’s a much better idea to use a Photoshop action that streamlines this process. We hope you’ve found this list of Photoshop actions helpful. Good luck!