How to Use the Curves Adjustment

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Open the image that you want to experiment with in your program.

   You will want to make sure that it has varying shades, such as this image here.
2. 2

   Step 2: Make sure that your Layers dialog box is open.

   , Choose Curves... for the Curve Adjustment tool.
   
   Here is what you should be seeing.
   
   The exact look may vary, but it will look like something like this. ,,, What this does is brighten the midtones of the layer. , This will darken the midtones.
   
   Remember, with this adjustment less is more.
   
   Don't overdo it. ,,,, You can do this by clicking where it says RGB and change it to one of the other colors.
   
   In this screenshot, red was chosen to be reduced. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Click on the small circular icon for your Layer options.

4. 4

   Step 4: Be sure that the Edit Connection Points option is selected.

5. 5

   Step 5: Click on the center of the line to create the first anchor point.

6. 6

   Step 6: Drag that point that you created upwards.

7. 7

   Step 7: Drag it back down to the other direction.

8. 8

   Step 8: Add another anchor point in between the first anchor point and the end of the tool.

9. 9

   Step 9: Manipulate it up or down to change the contrast.

10. 10

    Step 10: Move the connection point at the top of the dialog box and move it down to decrease the brightness of your image.

11. 11

    Step 11: Change a particular color in your image.

12. 12

    Step 12: Do the same thing with other colors to get the appearance that you like.

Detailed Guide

About the Author