Web Design » Photoshop » What Do Levels and Curves Do in Photoshop?

What Do Levels and Curves Do in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 12:44 pm

There are many different things that you can do to an image in Photoshop, and one of those things is to adjust the levels. You can also add curves to an image, which can give it a more three-dimensional look. Let’s take a closer look at what levels and curves do in Photoshop.

The levels tool is used to adjust the brightness and contrast of an image. You can access the levels tool by going to Image > Adjustments > Levels. When you open the levels tool, you will see a histogram. This histogram shows you how many pixels there are at each brightness level. By default, the black point is set to 0 and the white point is set to 255.

You can adjust these points by clicking and dragging on the histogram.

PRO TIP: When adjusting levels and curves in Photoshop, be careful not to overdo it. Too much adjustment can result in an unnatural or distorted image.

The curves tool is similar to the levels tool, but it gives you more control over the brightness and contrast of an image. You can access the curves tool by going to Image > Adjustments > Curves. When you open the curves tool, you will see a grid with a line running through it. This line represents all of the possible brightness values in an image. You can click and drag on this line to adjust the brightness of an image.

So, what do levels and curves do in Photoshop?

Simply put, they allow you to adjust the brightness and contrast of an image. The levels tool is a bit more basic, while the curves tool gives you more control. Experiment with both tools to see which one you prefer.

Kathy McFarland

Kathy McFarland

Devops woman in trade, tech explorer and problem navigator.