Adjustment layers in Photoshop are powerful tools that allow you to modify the colors and tones of your images non-destructively. Here’s how to use adjustment layers step-by-step:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open Your Image:
   • Launch Photoshop and open the image you want to edit.
2. Create an Adjustment Layer:
   • Go to the Layers panel. Click on the New Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom (it looks like a half-filled circle) or go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer, and choose the adjustment type you want (e.g., Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation, etc.).
3. Adjust the Settings:
   • After you create an adjustment layer, a properties panel will appear. Use the sliders or options provided to adjust the settings according to your needs. For example, if you select Curves, you can manipulate the curve to brighten or darken the image.
4. Masking the Adjustment Layer:
   • Each adjustment layer comes with a mask by default, allowing you to control where the adjustments are applied.
   • If you want to limit the adjustment to a specific area, select the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel. Use a soft brush with black to paint over areas where you don’t want the adjustment to be applied. Painting with white will reveal the adjustment again.
5. Change Blending Options (Optional):
   • You can change the blending mode of the adjustment layer by selecting it in the Layers panel and choosing a mode from the dropdown menu (like Multiply or Screen) to see how it interacts with the layers below.
6. Reordering Adjustment Layers:
   • You can move adjustment layers up or down in the Layers panel to change their order of application, affecting how they interact with other layers.
7. Editing Adjustment Layers:
   • You can always go back and modify the adjustment settings by double-clicking on the adjustment layer’s thumbnail in the Layers panel.
8. Group Adjustment Layers (Optional):
   • If you have multiple adjustment layers, you can group them by selecting them (hold Shift to select multiple) and pressing Ctrl + G (Windows) or Command + G (Mac). This helps keep your Layers panel organized.
9. Clipping Adjustment Layers (Optional):
   • If you want the adjustment layer to only affect the layer directly below it, right-click the adjustment layer and select Create Clipping Mask. This will limit the effect to that layer only.
10. Save Your Work:
    • Once you’re satisfied with the adjustments, save your image by going to File > Save As and choosing your desired format.

Tips:

• Non-Destructive Editing: Because adjustment layers do not alter the original image, you can experiment freely without worrying about permanent changes.
• Use Multiple Adjustments: You can stack multiple adjustment layers for complex edits, allowing for precise control over various aspects of your image.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully learned how to use adjustment layers in Photoshop, enhancing your images with flexibility and precision.

How to use adjustment layers on Photoshop?

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