Using adjustment layers

Working with layers : Using adjustment layers

Adjustment layers are correction layers that adjust the color or tone of underlying layers without modifying the image layers themselves. You can add adjustment layers to test various color corrections or combinations of corrections. You can hide, delete, or edit adjustment layers.

An adjustment layer affects all layers below it. If an adjustment layer is in a layer group, it affects only the layers that are below it in the group. To apply an adjustment layer to a single layer without affecting the underlying layers, you can create a layer group with one layer and then add the adjustment layer above the layer in the group. Only the layer in the layer group is affected.

To add an adjustment layer

Edit workspace

1 On the Layers palette, click a layer.

When the adjustment layer is added, it will appear above the selected layer.

2 From the drop-list on the palette toolbar, choose New Adjustment Layer, and select an adjustment layer type.

In the dialog box that appears, the preview areas show the image before and after you make changes.

To reset the values to default settings, choose Default from the Load Preset drop‑list.

3 Click the Adjustment tab, and set the controls for the adjustment layer.

4 Click OK.

You can also add an adjustment layer by choosing Layers  New Adjustment Layer.

You can also reset the values to the default by double-clicking the adjustment layer and clicking the Reset to Default button

in the Properties dialog box.

To hide or view the adjustment layer overlay

Edit workspace

• Choose Layers  View Overlay.

You can also hide or display the adjustment layer overlay by clicking the Highlight mask area button

on the Layers palette.

To edit an adjustment layer

Edit workspace

1 On the Layers palette, double-click the name of the adjustment layer that you want to edit.

The Layer Properties dialog box appears.

2 Click the Adjustment tab, and modify the color or tonal correction settings.

3 Click the General tab to modify the general layer properties such as layer name, blend mode, and opacity.

4 On the Overlay tab, adjust the color and opacity of the overlay.

The default overlay is a reddish, mask-like layer with 50 percent opacity.

5 Click OK.

You can also open the Layer properties dialog box by choosing Layers  Properties.