How to correct the colors and brightness of a photo
A photo that looks flat or too dark can usually be fixed in a few steps. The order below works for most pictures, and it uses adjustment layers so every step stays editable.
1. Check the brightness range with Levels
Choose Layer → New adjustment layer → Levels. The histogram shows how the brightness values of your photo are distributed. If the graph does not reach the left or right end, the picture has no true black or white and looks hazy. Drag the black input slider to where the graph starts and the white input slider to where it ends. Then move the gamma (middle) slider to make the midtones lighter or darker.
2. Shape contrast with Curves
Add a Curves adjustment layer. Click the diagonal line to add a point and drag it. A gentle S shape, with the shadows pulled down a little and the highlights pushed up a little, adds contrast. Pulling the middle up brightens the whole picture. Use the R, G and B tabs to change a single color channel, for example to remove a green tint.
3. Remove a color cast
If the whole image looks too yellow, blue or green, use Color Balance and move the sliders in the opposite direction of the cast, mainly in the midtones. Another approach is the Curves red, green and blue channels. Check the result on something that should be neutral, such as white clothing or a gray wall.
4. Adjust saturation carefully
Hue/Saturation changes how colorful the picture is. Small values work best; skin tones turn orange or gray very quickly. Vibrance raises muted colors more than colors that are already strong, which keeps the result more natural.
5. Limit an adjustment to one area
Every adjustment layer has a mask. Select the layer’s mask thumbnail, choose the brush, and paint black where the adjustment should not apply. For example, you can darken only the sky, or brighten only a face, without selecting anything first.
Before you export
- Toggle the eye icon of the adjustment layers to compare before and after.
- Look at the picture at 100% zoom to check for banding or noise in dark areas.
- Export a PSD if you want to keep the adjustment layers, and a JPEG or WebP for sharing.
More guides
- Layer masks explained: edit without deleting anythingLearn what a layer mask is, how to paint one, and how to combine two photos with a smooth transition.
- Opening and saving PSD files in the browserHow PSD files are handled: which layers, masks and effects are kept, what the “flattened” option means, and tips for saving.
- Which selection tool should you use?Rectangle, ellipse, lasso, polygonal lasso, magic wand and color range compared, with tips for clean selection edges.
- Retouching: remove blemishes and unwanted objectsUse the spot healing brush, healing brush and clone stamp to remove spots, dust and small objects from a photo without leaving obvious traces.