Unlike pixel-based
layers that hold
images – or parts of them –
Adjustment Layers represent
different tonal effects, which
affect all the layers below
them in the stack. There are
plenty of Adjustment Layers
to choose from, accessed
through either the Layers
panel or the Adjustments
panel. Once added, the
relevant settings will appear
in the Properties panel. Here
we’ve used the Channel Mixer
KEY LAYER SKILL:
ADJUSTMENT LAYERS
FIVE OF THE BEST ADJUSTMENT LAYERS...
Adjustment Layer to alter
selected colors.
You can add tonal effects
directly to pixel layers, but
applying them as Adjustment
Layers gives you so many
more options. Not only can
you edit the effect at any
time (double-click the layer
thumbnail), but you can also
adjust the Blending mode,
alter the Opacity, or add a
Layer Mask to make the tonal
change work selectively in
different parts of the image.12
34
51
CURVES
Drag the curve line up or down
to change the brightness of
the image. For precise control,
add several points along the
line to alter the brightness
at different points along
the tonal range.(^2)
COLOR BALANCE
Useful for shifting the colors,
perhaps to give an image a
cyan shift or to boost the
yellows. As well as affecting
the midtones, you can also
target and tint the shadow
tones or the highlights.
(^3)
BLACK AND WHITE
Convert an image to
monochrome, then alter the
brightness of six different
color ranges with this
excellent Adjustment Layer.
4
COLOR LOOKUP
This offers a range of
different LUTs that give you
various tonal and color effects.
It’s useful for toning both stills
and video.
5
GRADIENT MAP
This applies a blend of
colors to the tonal range of
your image. The Photographic
Toning set found within the
Gradient Editor is especially
good for vintage tonal
treatments, for example.