Adjustment+Layers+Explained

=Photoshop Basic Image Adjustment Layers Explained=

Basic Image Adjustments
The adjustment layer panel is similar to the one used in CS4 and CS5, but with a few improvements. From this panel you can easy edit an image changing color tones, channels, adding gradients and much more in a few seconds. You can also quickly edit layer visibly and add a clipping mask, enabling you to apply the adjustment to one layer or all layers. Adjustment layer icons, situated in palette well To create a new adjustment layer simply click on one of the adjustment layer tools. Photoshop CS6 Adjustment Layer icons explained

=Photoshop Brightness and Contrast Layer=

Brightness and Contrast
The brightness and contrast adjustment layer is probably one of the simplest adjustment layers. You can add a brightness and contrast adjustment layer by clicking on the icon. Photoshop Brightness and contrast adjustment layer This will then open a new palette in which you can edit the tonal range of the image by sliding either of the two sliders. I do not recommend ticking the legacy box as Photoshop will only increase/decrease the brightness of each pixel, instead of smartly adjusting the colors within the image. I recommend you enable preview as it will allow you to view your editing live.

Color Balance Adjustment Layer
If you find that your photos have a color cast to them, which is caused by shooting with a incorrect white balance. You can correct this using a color balance adjustment layer. If you have shot your photos in the JPEG format than this is a method of changing the white balance of a photograph. I would recommend using a different method to change the white balance if the photograph was taken in the RAW format.

Using the Color Balance Adjustment Tool

 * 1) Duplicate the layer you want to work on.
 * 2) Click on the  **COLOR BALANCE** tool icon in the adjustment layers panel in the palette well.
 * 3) The color balance tool window should then open.
 * 4) If the image is two blue move the third slider (Yellow-Blue) to the left and if the image is too yellow move the slider to the right.
 * 5) Generally when you are making color adjustments you want to adjust the mid-tones so you should have this selected.
 * 6) Also its a good idea to have preserve luminosity selected.
 * 7) Normally you should only have to do small adjustments, try not to over do it.

Color Balance Adjustment Window

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