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What Are Levels and Curves in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 23, 2022 @ 9:00 pm

Photoshop’s Levels and Curves are two powerful tools that can be used to adjust the tonal range and color balance of an image. Levels is a tool that adjusts the brightness of an image, while Curves adjusts both the brightness and contrast.

When adjusting Levels, there are three main controls: Input Levels, Output Levels, and Gamma. Input Levels determines the black and white points of an image, Output Levels sets the new black and white points, and Gamma corrects the midtones.

PRO TIP: If you are not familiar with Photoshop, then Levels and Curves may seem like a foreign language. However, they are actually very simple concepts that can help you to edit your images more effectively.

Levels and Curves are both ways of adjusting the brightness and contrast of an image. They both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to know when to use each one.

Levels is generally the simpler of the two options, and is a good choice for beginners. Curves is more advanced, and gives you more control over the brightness and contrast of an image. However, it can be more difficult to use, so it is important to practice before using it on important images.

Curves has two main controls: Points and slope. Points allows you to set specific tonal values, while slope adjusts the overall contrast of an image.

Both Levels and Curves can be adjusted manually or via an auto-adjustment option. When manually adjusting either tool, it’s important to keep an eye on the histogram to ensure that you’re not clipping any highlights or shadows.

The best way to get started with these tools is to experiment and see what looks best for your particular image. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so it’s important to find a method that works well for you.

Kathy McFarland

Kathy McFarland

Devops woman in trade, tech explorer and problem navigator.