The Photoshop CS4 Companion for Photographers

Adjusting Tone with a Levels Adjustment Layer

The Levels adjustment is often a favorite among photographers for adjusting tone in an image. Even though you have Curves in ACR, you don't have Levels. The good news is that in Photoshop CS4, you can use the new Adjustments panel for Levels. I like this addition because it's easily accessible, it includes a handful of useful presets, and it automatically creates an adjustment layer for you.

If you shied away from using layers in the past, now's the time to jump in with both feet. Photoshop CS4 has made this easy by semi-automating the process. I'll make it even easier for you by showing you a few simple tips. The upshot is that you'll be unable to resist taking advantage of this great feature in Photoshop.

Creating the Levels Adjustment Layer

Start by clicking the Adjustments icon to reveal an array of adjustments with presets below them. Click the triangle next to Levels Presets to reveal eight predesigned settings. If you think one of those choices might be right for your image, click it.

Figure 6-7. The Levels icon on the new Adjustment panel

Photoshop will create a new layer, apply the adjustment, and show you the newly designed Levels Adjustments panel. If the preset didn't produce the results you wanted, don't worry. We'll have plenty of opportunity to make further tweaks. For example, you can try a different setting now to see whether ...