Use layer masks to adjust parts of a photo
What you learned: Use an adjustment layer mask to edit part of a photo
An adjustment layer could be a versatile thanks to adding an associated adjustment to a picture while not directly dynamic the image itself. Each adjustment layer comes with an intrinsic layer mask. You’ll be able to add black, white, or grey to associate adjustment layer mask to focus on the adjustment to a selected a part of a photograph.
1. Select a picture layer in the Layers panel.
2. Click the produce new fill or adjustment layer button at very cheap of the Layers panel. Select Hue/Saturation in the pop-up menu. A Hue/Saturation adjustment layer, with a white layer mask fingernail, seems in the Layers panel higher than the layer you chose. The Properties panel displays Hue/Saturation controls for this adjustment layer.
3. In the Properties panel, drag the Saturation slider to the correct to extend color saturation. This adjustment currently affects the whole icon on the layer below.
Add a black to white gradient to the adjustment layer mask.
Black on associate adjustment layer mask hides the adjustment; grey part shows the adjustment, and white shows the adjustment. a technique to feature black, gray, and white to any layer mask, as well as an associate adjustment layer mask, is with a black to white gradient.
1. In the Layers panel, certify there's a white border around the layer mask fingernail. If there's not a white border, click the layer mask fingernail.
2. Press D on the keyboard to line the default colors of white and black in the Toolbar. Press X to modify the color boxes, therefore, black is that the foreground color and white is that the background color.
3. In the Toolbar, choose the Gradient tool.
4. In the select photo bar, certify the Gradient select particle displays a black to white gradient. If it doesn't, click that select particle to open the Gradient Editor, choose the Foreground to Background gradient planned, and click on OK.
Tip: If you wish to feature multiple gradients to an identical layer mask, choose the Black to clear gradient planned in the Gradient Editor.
5. In the select image bar, choose the Linear Gradient select particle.
Tip: you'll be able to use gradient shapes aside from a Linear Gradient on a layer mask by choosing another gradient kind, sort of a Radial Gradient, in the select photo bar for the Gradient tool.
6. In the document window, click the realm wherever you are doing’s wish the adjustment applied and drag toward the realm wherever you do with the adjustment applied, making a black to white gradient on the layer mask.
The white a part of the gradient on the layer mask shows the adjustment at full strength on the underlying photo layer the reminder grey on the layer mask bit by bit hide the adjustment; and therefore the black on the layer mask hides the adjustment fully. This creates a gradual transition between the area units of the icon that is affected and not littered with this adjustment layer.
7. If you’re not pleased with the result, repeat the preceding step, variable the length or direction of the road till you’re glad. You’ll be able to conjointly paint on the adjustment layer mask with the comb and black, white, or grey paint to fine-tune the mask.
Save your work with layers
• Save the image in .PSD or.TIFF format to retain the layers and layer masks for future redaction.
Learn More: Use layer masks with selections