Working with AdjustmentLayers, Filters, and Tools

Introduction

If you want to visually control an Adobe Photoshop docu-ment, then adjustment layers are the ultimate tool. The pur-pose of an adjustment layer is to show how a specificadjustment, such as Hue & Saturation, changes the appear-ance of the image. Since the adjustment is contained within aseparate layer, the original image never changes.This givesyou the ability to experiment with different settings. Sinceadjustment layers can be saved with the document, you canclose the document, then return at a later time to make fur-ther adjustments.

Another advantage of adjustment layers is size.Adjustment layers do not increase the size of a Photoshopdocument. Most Photoshop layers are composed of pixels,so adding traditional layers to a document increases the sizeof the file. Since adjustment layers are simply a set of mathe-matical data, they do not increase the size of the file.

Photoshop has two ways to apply adjustments to animage. You could go to the Image menu, and ch-ooseAdjustments; however, when you apply an adjustment usingthis method, it's permanent. The other way is to use anadjustment layer-the very definition of control over time.When working with adjustment layers, you can modify,merge, or even create a temporary composite image, allwhile your original image stays intact. With all of their advan-tages, you may never perform adjustments using the Imagemenu again.

In addition to letting you apply adjustments to an imagewithout changing the original data, adjustment layers,because they are separate layers, give you the ability toapply standard layer controls, 'such as blending modes, opac-ity, and fill. Adjustment layers come with their own built-inmasks, and allow you to control how and where the adjust-ment is applied to the image.

What You'll Do

Create an Adjustment Layer

Modify an Adjustment Layer

Merge Adjustment Layers

Create a Temporary Composite Image

Control Adjustment Layers with ClippingGroups

Delete an Adjustment Layer

Use Blending Modes and Opacitywith Layers

Use Masks with Adjustment Layers

Create Masks with Selections

Retouch Images with Filters

Keep Proper Perspective withVanishing Point

Work with the Lens Correction Filter

Retouch Images with Tools and Filters

Control Tonal Range

Work with the Histogram Panel

155

Creating anAdjustment Layer

Create an Adiustment Layer

o Select the Layers panel.

o Click the layer you want to adjust.

o Click the Create New Fill orAdjustment Layer button, and thenselect from the available types ofadjustment layers.

You can also open the Adjustmentspanel to set adjustment settings.You can choose from 16 iconsrepresenting most of theadjustment layer options. Whenyou click one of the icons, controlsfor that type .of adjustment appearon the Properties panel.

• Adjust the controls for the specificadjustment in the Properties panel.

• To open the Properties panel,click the Window menu, andthen click Properties.o Use buttons at the bottom of the

Properties panel that allow you toclip the adjustment to the layerbelow, make the layer visible orinvisible, revert to the image statebefore adjustment was made,reset adjustment defaults, ordelete the adjustment.

156 Chapter 7

Adjustment layers are applied within the Layers panel and use theAdjustments panel. By default, all layers beneath the adjustment layerare changed. In addition, adjustment layers will work on any type ofPhotoshop layer, including the Background. You can have as manyadjustment layers as you need. For example, you might create a Levelsadjustment layer to control the contrast of an image, and add a Curvesadjustment layer to correct image color. You can also use the ColorLookup adjustment to apply a color table (similar to a color profile)-such as crisp winter, flimstock, or foggy night-to map image colors tocreate an unique effect. When you create more than one adjustmentlayer, each adjustment is applied to the image based on its stackingorder in the Layers panel. After you create an adjustment layer, you canmake changes to it in the Properties panel.

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Modifying anAdjustment Layer

Modify an Adjustment Layero Select the Layers panel.

• Double-click on the thumbnail ofthe adjustment layer you want tomodify.

The options for that specificadjustment opens in the Propertiespanel. Options for each type ofadjustment vary and can bechanged in the context-sensitiveProperties panel.

• You can also click the Windowmenu, and then click Propertiesto open the Properties panel.

• Make the changes you want forthe specific adjustment.

At the top of the Properties panelthere are two buttons, one for theadjustment and another for masks.

Did You Know?You can move adjustment layers upand down in the layer stack. Sinceeach adjustment layer interacts withother adjustment layers, changing theorder of the layers creates a totallydifferent image.

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The beauty of adjustment layers is in the control they offer to thePhotoshop user. When you use the Image menu, and click Adjustments,any changes made to the image are permanent as soon as you clickOK. But that's not true of adjustment layers. Adjustment layers keep thechanges isolated in a separate layer, and this allows you to modify theadjustment minutes, or even days later. With this type of creative con-trol at your fingertips, you can experiment with different settings untilthe image looks exactly the way you want.

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For Your Information

Saving Adjustment LayersWhen you apply an adjustment layer to an image, you are no longerrequired to save the document in the PSD(Photoshop Document)format. Photoshop supports saving files with multiple layers, includ-ing adjustment layers, in the TIFF(Tagged-Image File Format)filetype. The files can be opened just like ordinary TIFFfiles in standardlayout applications. However, when the file is opened in applicationsthat support multiple layers, such as Corel Painter or AdobeInDesign, the adjustment layers are preserved.

Chapter 7 Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, and Tools 157

Merging AdjustmentLayers

Merge Adjustments with Images

o Open a document containing animage layer, and two or moreadjustment layers.

e Select the Layers panel.o Click the Layers Options button,and then select from the followingmerge options:

• Merge La.yers.Merges only thelayers selected in the Layerspanel into a single layer.

• Merge Visible. Merges only thelayers that are visible, leavingthe hidden layers untouched.

• Flatten Image. Merges alllayers into a flattenedbackground. If you have one ormore layers hidden, Photoshopwill open a warning dialog boxand ask if you want to discardthe hidden layers.

158 Chapter 7

Photoshop lets you create as many adjustment layers as you need. Forexample, you might create a Levels adjustment layer to balance imagecontrast, a Curves adjustment layer to correct color, and a Photo Filteradjustment layer to create an overall warming effect to the image. Eachadjustment layer works with the other adjustment layers to produce thefinal image. It's not unusual to have three, four, or even five adjustmentlayers controlling a single image. At some point in the design, you mightdecide to save space by merging some or all of the adjustment layers.However, when you merge the adjustment layers, the adjustmenteffects are lost, as a result of how Photoshop deals with adjustmentlayers. Each adjustment layer controls one specific part of the adjust-ment, such as Curves or Levels. The layers themselves do not hold animage; they hold mathematical data on how to change an image. Asingle adjustment layer cannot hold more than one set of adjustments.That's why you have multiple adjustment layers. Merging two or moreadjustment layers together forces Photoshop to discard all of theadjustment data and the merged adjustment layers turn into one plainold transparent layer. To solve the problem, try merging the adjustmentlayers and the image layer into one single layer.

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Creating a TemporaryComposite Image

Create a TemporaryComposite Image

o Open a document that containsan image, and two or more visibleadjustment layers. '

o Select the Layers panel, create anew layer at the top of the layerstack, and then select it.

Hold down the Alt (Win) or Option(Mac) key, click the LayersOptions button, and then clickMerge Visible.

Photoshop combines all of thevisible layers into a new layer,while leaving the original layersuntouched.

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Did You Know?You can use the composite layeroption on any multi-layered Photoshopdocument. Once you've created thecomposite layer, you can perform otheradjustments without impacting theoriginal image, or even drag and movethe composite into another Photoshopdocument.You can use the link option to controlthe composite image. Create a newlayer, and then link the layers you wantincluded in the composite. Follow thesteps for creating a composite, exceptclick Merge Linked.

When you merge adjustment layers into the image, you wind up with asingle layer that contains all of the adjustments. By merging the adjust-ment layers, you do lose control over the individual adjustment layers.It's basically a trade-off of smaller file sizes and less layers to contendwith, but also less control over the image. Let's say you want the bestof both worlds-a single layer that contains the image, all of the adjust-ments, and the original image with separate adjustment layers. It's pos-sible; all you have to do is create a composite layer.

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Chapter 7 Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, and Tools 159

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Deleting anAdjustment Layer

Delete an Adjustment Layero Select the Layers panel.e Click the adjustment layer youwant to delete.

o Drag the adjustment layer onto theDelete Layer button.

Did You Know?You can convert an adjustment layerinto a regular layer. By default, adjust-ment layers come with a built-in mask.To remove the mask while preservingthe adjustment layer, select the adjust-ment layer in the Layers panel, holddown the Alt (Win) or Option (Mac)key, and then click the Delete Layerbutton.

When you delete an adjustment layer you are simply deleting theadjustment, not the image. Adjustment layers do not contain pixels;they only manipulate the information contained within the image layer.Deleting an adjustment layer is as easy as deleting any other layertype. The effect is the same; the function of the layer is removed fromthe document. For example, if you delete a Curves adjustment layer, theeffects are removed and the image returns to its original state. Whenyou delete an adjustment layer, the change to the image created by theadjustment layer is removed, and the image returns to its original state.

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Chapter 7 Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, and Tools 161

Using BlendingModes and Opacitywith Layers

Use Blending Modes withAdjustment Layerso Select the Layers panel.o Click the layers you want to adjust.

You can apply blending mode toone or more selected layers in thelayers panel.o Click the Blending Mode listarrow, and then select from theavailable options.

The results of the blend are visiblein the document window.

162 Chapter 7

Adjustment layers perform two functions-they adjust the image andthey give you control. Since an adjustment is held in a separate layer,you have the advantage of isolating the adjustment and keeping youroriginal image information intact. Combine that with an adjustmentlayer's ability to manipulate pixel information and you have a very pow-erful image-editing tool. Blending Modes change how two or morelayers interact. For example, the Multiply blending mode instructsPhotoshop to mix the pixels of two or more layers, thus creating anentirely new image from the mix. With that in mind, the five modes thatproduce the most stunning results are Multiply, Screen, Hard Mix,Difference, and Exclusion. The opacity of an adjustment layer controlsthe intensity of the selected adjustment. You can reduce the opacity ofthe Hue & Saturation adjustment to 50% and it would reduce its effect.Since each adjustment layer has its own opacity settings, multipleadjustment layers can be fine-tuned to create a custom effect. If youhide layers, blending mode and opacity settings are still shown.

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Control Through Opacityo Select the Layers panel.

• Select the layers you want toadjust.

You can apply opacity to one ormore selected layers in the Layerspanel.

o Click the Opacity list arrow, andthen drag the slider to lower theopacity of the layer.

The results of the change appearin the document window.

TIMESAVER Press 1to changeopacity to 10%,press 2 to changeto 20% and so on to 9. Press 0 tochange to 100%.Youcan alsoenter a specify value, such as 85.

TIMESAVER Click inside theOpacity box, and then use the Upand Down Arrow keys to increaseor decrease the opacity onepercentage point at a time. Holdthe Shift key, and then use the Upand Down Arrow keys to increaseor decrease the opacity 10percentage points at a time. Youcan also select the percentage inthe box and enter a value.

Did You Know?You can change the fill value using thekeyboard. Select one or more layers,hold down the Shift key, and then press1 to change the fill to 10%, press 2 tochange to 20% and so on to 9. Press 0to change to 100%.You can also entera specify value, such as 14or 00 toget 0%.

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Chapter 7 Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, and Tools 163

Using Masks withAdjustment Layers

Paint on an Adjustment Masko Select the layers panel.

o Click the layer mask thumbnail inwhich you want to paint a mask.o Select a Paintbrush tool.o Select a brush size on the Optionsbar.

o Select the Properties panel, andthen select the Masks icon todisplay details about both pixel andvector masks and select fromoptions to change the opacity(density) of the mask, as well asfeather options.

o Set the Foreground Color box onthe toolbox to black as the paintcolor.

o Paint the areas of the image thatyou want to mask. The adjustmentlayer must be selected. The areaspainted black mask the adjustment,returning the image to normal.

To restore the masked areas,switch to white and drag acrossthe image in the areas previouslypainted black.

164 Chapter 7

When you create an adjustment layer, the effects of the adjustment areapplied to the entire image. For example, if you use the Curves adjust-ment, the resulting changes are applied to the entire image. It's trueyou can modify the adjustment with the use of layer blending modesand opacity settings but the effects are applied equally to the entireimage. The problem is that many times you don't want the adjustmentapplied to the entire image. For example, you may want to color-correctjust a portion of the image, or lighten the shadows of an image withoutapplying the same lightening adjustment to the highlights. Photoshophandles this problem with the use of masks. When you create anadjustment layer, Photoshop automatically creates a mask with theimage. The mask controls how the adjustment is applied to the image,and you control the effect by painting in the mask with black, white, ora shade of gray. When you paint in the mask with black, it will totallymask the adjustment; painting with white fully applies the adjustment. Ifyou paint with 50% gray, then the adjustment is applied to the image at50% strength.

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Creating Masks withSelections

Create Masks with Selections

o Use any of Photoshop's selectiontools to create a selection aroundthe area of the image to which youwant the adjustment applied.

o Select the Layers panel.

o Click the Create New Fill orAdjustment Layer button, andthen select from the availableadjustments or use theAdjustments panel to chooseone of the adjustment icons.

Photoshop creates a mask basedon your selection with theselected areas being adjusted andthe non-selected areas masked.

Did You Know?You can use any of Photoshop's filterson an adjustment layer mask.For example,you could use theGaussian Blur filter to soften the edgebetween adjustment and mask.Experimentwith different filters fordifferent creative effects.

You can create an instant mask using traditional selection techniques.Before creating the adjustment layer, select the area of the image towhich you want the adjustment applied. Use any of Photoshop's selec-tion tools for this purpose. When you create the adjustment layer,Photoshop converts the selection into a mask, and only the selectedareas of the image are changed.

Chapter7 Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, andTools 165

Using the AddNoise Filter

Use the Add Noise Filtero Select the Layers panel.o Select the layer you want to

adjust. To create a smart object,click the Filter menu, and thenclick Convert for Smart Filters.

Click the Filter menu, point toNoise, and then click Add Noise .

o•Select from the following options:

• Amount. Drag the slider, orenter a value (0.10to 400) toincrease or decrease theamount of noise added to theimage.

• Distribution. Click the Uniformoption to create a more orderedappearance, or click theGaussian option to create amore random noise pattern.

• Monochromatic. Select thischeck box to apply the filter tothe tonal elements in the imagewithout changing the colors.

TIMESAVER The plus andminus signs, located directly underthe image preview, let youincrease or decrease the viewablearea of the image.

o Click OK.

166 Chapter 7

The Add Noise filter applies random pixels to an image. When you wantto simulate a film grain effect, you can apply the Add Noise filter. Forexample, you could use the Add Noise filter to make an image look likeit was taken using high-speed film. In addition, the Add Noise filter canbe used to reduce banding in feathered selections or graduated fills oreven give a more realistic look to heavily retouched areas. Experimentwith the Add Noise filter in combination with other filters, such asMotion Blur filters, to create eye-catching special effects.

~ Monochromatic

For Your Information

Using Filters to Retouch an ImageOne of Photoshop's most powerful features is its ability to recreate aphotographic image. Photographers use the term photographicrestoration to describe image retouching. Photo restorationdescribes the process of returning an image to its original state. Forexample, you could remove dust and scratches from an old imageusing the Dust and Scratches filter, or repair other problems associ-ated with old or damaged images using Photoshop filters. Since thesame tools and filters can be used to restore an image as you havebeen using to apply effects to your images, you can experiment withvarious filters to find out which ones will help you with your imagerestoration.

Using the ReduceNoise Filter

Use the Reduce Noise Filtero Select the Layers panel.

o Select the layer you want to adjust.To create a smart object, click theFilter menu, and then click Convertfor Smart Filters.o Click the Filter menu, point to Noise,and then click Reduce Noise.

o Sele'ct the Preview check box toview the changes to the image.

• Select the Basic or Advancedoption. Advanced allows you toadjust the noise on channels.

o Select from the following options:

•• Settings. Click the setting arrowand select a user-defined preset.

• Strength. Drag the slider todetermine how strong to applythe Reduce Noise filter.

• Preserve Details. Drag the sliderto balance between blurring thenoise and preserving details.

• Reduce Color Noise. Drag theslider to convert noise composedof colors into shades of gray.

• Sharpen Details. Drag the sliderto determine where the details ofthe image exist, in terms of shiftsin brightness.

• Remove JPEG Artifact. Select toremove artifacts (typically noisewithin shadows) from severelycompressed JPEG images.o Click OK.

The Reduce Noise filter helps to remove the random noise that cropsup in digital images. It's called noise, but in reality it is a pattern of dis-tracting color or grayscale information on top of the original imageinformation. Noise can be generated by the Add Noise filter, but it typi-cally comes from scanners and even digital cameras. Since there is amathematical pattern to most noise, the Reduce Noise filter is designedto seek out and reduce the amount of noise in an image. The ReduceNoise filter works on individual layers, not the entire document. Afterapplying the filter, you can use other restoration tools, such as theHealing Brush and Patch tool, to further clean up problem areas.

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Chapter 7 Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, and Tools 167

Keeping ProperPerspective withVanishing Point

Use the Vanishing Point Tool

o Open an image.

• Click the Filter menu, and thenclick Vanishing Point.

e The following tools are available:

• Edit Plane. Adjusts the grid tomatch the perspective of theimage.

• Create Plane. First tool to use;it creates the initial perspectivegrid plane.

• Marquee Tool. Makesselections in the grid and thenchanges their perspective asyou move them to match theperspective of the grid.

• Stamp Tool. Lets you makecopies of areas and then stampthem onto other areas using theperspective of the grid.

• Brush Tool. Lets you paint withcolor within the grid. If youclick the Heal button and thenclick Luminance, VanishingPoint adapts the color to theshadows or textures of theareas being painted.

• Transform Tool. Lets you rotate,resize or flip a selectioncreated with the Marquee tool.

• Eyedropper Tool. Click to selecta specific color from the image.

168 Chapter 7

Vanishing Point gives you the ability to move and/or copy objects andstill maintain the same visual perspective of the original. Let's say thatyou shoot an image of a roadway disappearing into the distance, andalong the road there's a billboard. You want the billboard to appear as ifit's farther away, but to retain its proper perspective within the image.With Vanishing Point, you simply create a framework, or plane, thatidentifies the depth of the image, and then move the billboard (using theMove or Clone Stamp tools). Wherever you move the sign, it will appearwithin the proper perspective. You can adjust the angle of the plane forgreater flexibility or take measurements (NewO, formally only availablein Photoshop Extended. When you finish working in Vanishing Point, youcan use the Vanishing Point menu to render grids to Photoshop. You canalso export 3D information and measurements to DXF or 3DSformats(New!), formally only available in Ph.otoshop Extended.

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• Measure Tool. Lets you draw ameasurement line over anobject in a perspective plane(Extended).

• Hand Tool. Click to move theimage within the VanishingPoint window.

• Zoom Tool. Click to Zoom in, orAlt-click (Win) or Option-click(Mac) to zoom out.e Select the Create Plane tool.

• Click on the image to create thefirst point of the grid, and thenclick three more times to createthe box shape of the grid.

• Angle. Lets you adjust theplane angle (Extended).

o Use the Edit Plane tool to changethe perspective of the plane, andto extend the plane over the areayou want fixed.

The grid should be blue; however,if the grid turns red or yellow, thatmeans Vanishing Point believesyou have a bad grid.o Select the Zoom tool, and zoom inon the working areas of the image.

o Select the Stamp tool.

o Position the Stamp tool directlyover the image area you want touse to fix the offending portions ofthe image, and then Alt-click(Win) or Option-click (Mac) toconfirm the selection.

Cl) Move to the area you want to fixand then click and drag with theStamp tool, which replaces theoriginal information; the perspec-tive changes to match the grid.

G To show the grid in Photoshop,click the Vanishing Point menu,and then click Render Grids ToPhotoshop.

G Click OK.

EditPlane

Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, and Tools 169Chapter 7

r

Working with theLens Correction Filter

Use the Lens Correction Filtero ~elect the Layers panel.

•• Select the layer you want to adjust.To create a smart object, click theFilter menu, and then click Convertfor Smart Filters.

Click the Filter menu, and then clickLens Correction.

oo Select from the following tools:

• Remove Distortion Tool. Drag inthe grid left or right to removegeometric distortion.

• Straighten Tool. Drag in the gridto draw a new horizon line.

• Move Grid Tool. Drag toreposition the visible grid.

• Hand Tool. Drag to move theimage within the view window.

• Zoom Tool. Click in the view tozoom in, or Alt-click (Win) orOption-click (Mac) to zoom out.

Select from the following optionson the Auto Correction tab:

• Correction. Select to correctGeometric Distortion, ChromaticAberration, or Vignette.

• Edge. Select to fill in transparentareas of the image with theBlack or White Color, EdgeExtension, or Transparency.

• Search Criteria and LensProfile. Search for and select alens profile based on a cameraand lens, or click Search Online.

o

170 Chapter 7

The Lens Correction filter fixes flaws that occur during the shooting ofimages, such as geometric distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberra-tion. Geometric distortion causes straight lines to bow out toward theedges of the image. Vignetting is a defect where edges of an image aredarker than the center. Chromatic aberration appears as a fringe of coloralong the edges of objects caused by the lens focusing on different col-ors of light. You can select options to automatically correct image prob-lems or apply a Lens Correction Profile (LCP) for a camera. If a cameraprofile is not available, you can search online or use Adobe Lens ProfileCreator (visit www./abs.adobe.com) to create one. If you know how youwant to fix a problem, you can also manually adjust options to correct it.

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o Click the Custom tab.o Select from the following tools:

• Settings. Choose from LensDefault, Previous Correction,Custom, or Default Correction.

• Remove Distortion. Drag theslider left or right to preciselyremove pincushion or barreldistortion.o Change the Chromatic Aberration

options: drag left or right to removeRed/Cyan Fringe, Green/MagentaFringe, or Blue/ Yellow Fringe fromthe image.o Select from the following Vignetteoptions:

• Amount. Drag left or right tocreate a light or dark vignettearound the image.

• Midpoint. Drag left or right toselect the midpoint for thevignette.

Select from the following Transformoptions:

• Vertical Perspective. Drag leftor right to change the image'svertical perspective.

• Horizontal Perspective. Dragleft or right to change theimage's horizontal perspective.

• Angle. Drag the angle option torotate the image clockwise orcounter clockwise.

• Scale. Drag left or right tochange the scale (size) of theimage.

G Select the Preview check box toview changes as they are made.

G Select the Show Grid check box toview or hide (default) the grid.

G Click the Size list arrow to changethe size of the grid boxes (defaultis 64).

• Click the Color box to change thecolor of the grid.

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Chapter 7 Working with Adjustment Layers, Filters, andTools 171

Using the Box,Surface, and ShapeBlur Filters

Photoshop provides a variety of filters to blur the look of an image,including Box, Surface, and Shape. The Box Blur filter blurs an imagebased on the average color value of neighboring pixels. Its primaryfunction is the creation of special effects. You can adjust the size of thearea used to calculate the average value for a given pixel; a largerradius results in more blurring. The Surface Blur filter blurs an imagewhile saving the visible edges; this filter is useful for creating specialeffects or removing that pesky noise or grain. The Radius option speci-fies the size of the area sampled for the blur. The Threshold option con-trols how much the tonal values of neighboring pixels must divergefrom the center pixel value before being part of the blur. Pixels withtonal value differences less than the Threshold value are excluded fromthe blur. The Shape Blur filter uses a specified shape to create the blur.Choose a kernel from the list of custom shape presets, and use theradius slider to adjust its size. You can load different shape libraries byclicking the triangle and choosing from the list. Radius determines thesize of the shape-the larger the shape, the greater the blur.

Use the Box Blur Filtero Select the layers panel.

o Select the layer you want toadjust. To create a smart object,click the Filter menu, and thenclick Convert for Smart Filters.o Click the Filter menu, point to Blur,and then click Box Blur.

• Drag the Radius slider left or rightto decrease or increase theamount of blur applied to theimage.

• Click OK.

172 Chapter 7

Original image

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