Adjustment Layers

Using an adjustment layer is like positioning a lens above the pixels on the layers below it to change their appearance. If you don’t like the result, you can edit the adjustment layer to achieve the result you want, or you can discard the adjustment layer. When you are satisfied with the result you can implement the adjustment layer as a permanent change.

1. Select a layer in the Layers palette. The adjustment layer will be positioned above the currently active layer. Choose Layer > New Adjustment Layer.

2. Choose a type from the New Adjustment Layer sub-menu. This automatically becomes the name for the layer. Enter a different name if desired. Set Opacity and Blending Mode at this stage if you want to. Click OK.

3. Depending on the type of adjustment layer you chose, the appropriate dialogue box opens. Create the settings you want to experiment with. OK the dialogue box.

4. The new adjustment layer appears in the Layers palette as the active layer. The settings you created are now applied to all layers below the adjustment layer.

5. Click the Eye icon to hide/show the preview of the changes brought about by the adjustment layer settings. Double-click the adjustment layer to re-enter the appropriate adjustment dialogue box to make changes to the settings.

6. Drag the adjustment layer into the Wastebasket if you want to discard the settings.

7. When you are ready to make the settings of the adjustment layer permanent, either use one of the Merge commands from the pop-up, or flatten the image.