Create a spiral with squares in Photoshop

Published on February 25, 2024

Spiral with square shapes

In this blog I will show you how to create a spiral out of square shapes in Adobe Photoshop.

Rather watch the video with instructions? Then click here or scroll down to the end of this page.

Step 1: Preparations

First create a new file. My file is 1080×1080 pixels, but you can also use a different file size. Also pick a background color while creating the file. I make the background black.

Then select the rectangle tool. Use the following settings:

Select ‘shape‘
Fill: No color
Stroke: Pick a color
Stroke width: 2px
If you’re using a different file size, you might have to use a different stroke width

Press and hold SHIFT while creating the shape to make a square.

Select the move tool and press CTRL+T. You can now resize and/or move the square. I make my square the same size as my file (1080×1080 pixels).

Right click on the rectangle layer and select ‘rasterize layer‘.

Step 2: Square spiral

Press CTRL+J to duplicate the rectangle layer.

Now press CTRL+T. Connect the width and height (with the chain icon). Lower the width to 95% (the height should be 95% too now). Then rotate the square 3°.