There are numerous Photoshop background tutorials around on the Web and it can be difficult on occasions to try and find the best ones.

It can also be particularly difficult to find a certain type of design that you're after whether it's an abstract design, or something more subtle and simple.  

This article presents 25 of the best Photoshop background tutorials that show you how to create some amazing effects.

They also show you some fantastic techniques and time-saving strategies that are highly recommended and will no doubt improve your overall Photoshop skill set.

Check them out and get designing!

Grungy Metal Texture

This tutorial shows you how to quickly create a grunge effect background - it looks great and could be used in a number of different scenarios.

Ultimate Wood Texture

This is a longer tutorial that shows you how to create a very classy wood texture effect. There are lots of screenshots to illustrate exactly what you should do which make it easy to recreate the desired effect.

Windows Vista Aurora Effect

This is a nice tutorial to show you how to create a Windows Vista look - the source files are also provided so that you can have a play around.

Making Of An Abstract Art Piece

This tutorial shows you how to create a very slick and funky background design that looks fantastic!

Abstract Light Rays

This Photoshop background design is more subtle and simple than some of the others, but still looks great.

Easy Abstract Photoshop Tutorial

The background described in this tutorial has a "high-tech" feel to it and would look great as a background to technology websites or other "tech-related" artwork.

Light Rays

Another light rays effect - this one has more impact than the one linked to above and has a very unique look to it.

Brilliant Light Streak

This tutorial shows you how to create a very simple and eye-catching background design effect.

Smooth Silk Texture

Knowing how to create a silk background effect can be a useful skill - this tutorial shows you how to do this in a number of simple steps.

Clean Background

A nice and light design that is well suited to artwork for younger users.

Cool Brushed Metal Surface

If you're an Apple fan then you will definitely like this tutorial - it shows you how to create the brushed aluminum look that is often associated with the Apple brand.

Chroma Wallpapers

This is a really cool tutorial - the final design is very funky and stylish, and looks fantastic. Check it out!

Stone Texture

This tutorial shows you how to create a realistic stone texture - it's simple, straight to the point, and achieves a nice effect.

Stripy Abstract Wallpaper

Another simple and "straight to the point" tutorial - shows you how to create a stripy abstract background effect that looks fantasticl!

Cool Abstract Background

The design described in this tutorial looks great - very classy and professional, and at the same time modern and slick. This is one of my personal favorites.

Abstract Walkthrough Tutorial

A darker abstract design that is relatively simple to achieve - the authors also provide the source files so that you can take a look and play around with the design.

Jean Cloth Texture

A very simple and basic tutorial on how to create a jean type look - ideal if you want to quickly achieve this effect.

Colorful Swirl

A very cool effect - shows you how to create multi-colored swirls - definitely worth a look.

Abstract Image

Whilst this tutorial is a little difficult to follow at certain points, the final design is very novel and could be used in a number of different scenarios.

Signature Tutorial Movement

This tutorial shows you how to create a nice and original design - definitely worth a look.

Abstract Signature

A very "firey" and bright abstract signature - a nice design which can easily be achieved through following the steps provided.

Creating A Wood Texture

Another wood tutorial - whilst this isn't as good or as detailed as the one mentioned earlier, it is still a nice design and shows you a different way to create a nice effect.

Abstract Background

A bright and high-impact abstract design that looks great - ideal for technology or "high-tech" type artwork.