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What Is Tone Mapping in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 12:36 am

Tone mapping is a technique in Photoshop that allows you to compress the tonal range of an image. This can be useful when you want to make an image appear more dynamic, or when you want to bring out detail in the shadows or highlights. There are a few different ways to tone map an image in Photoshop, and which method you use will depend on the results you want to achieve.

One way to tone map an image is to use the HDR Toning command. This command can be found in the Image menu, under Adjustments.

HDR Toning will give your image more contrast and make it appear more dynamic. However, it can also make your image look less realistic, so use this command with caution.

Another way to tone map an image is to use the Lighten/Darken Center filter. This filter can be found in the Filter menu, under Other.

The Lighten/Darken Center filter will allow you to lighten or darken the center of your image without affecting the shadows or highlights. This can be useful for giving your image more depth and dimension.

PRO TIP: Tone mapping is a technique in Photoshop that can be used to make an image appear more realistic. However, if not used correctly, it can result in an unnatural looking image.

Finally, you can also use layer masks to tone map an image. Layer masks are a powerful tool that allows you to selectively apply adjustments to an image.

To use a layer mask for tone mapping, create a new adjustment layer (such as Levels or Curves) and then click on the Layer Mask icon in the Layers panel. Then, use a black brush to paint over the areas of your image that you want to remain unchanged. The areas that you paint over will remain unadjusted, while the areas that you don’t paint over will be affected by the adjustment layer.

What Is Tone Mapping in Photoshop?

Tone mapping is a technique in Photoshop that allows you to compress the tonal range of an image.

Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.