IMPROVE IMAGE CONTRAST with a Levels layer
You can create a Levels adjustment layer to improve the contrast in an image. You can use adjustment layers in Photoshop Elements to make changes to a photo without altering the underlying original image. With adjustment layers, you can apply all kinds of changes to color, tonal range, and contrast to a copy of the original image layer. The original image remains intact. After you are happy with your adjustments, you can flatten the image and apply the changes to the actual image layer. If you do not like the changes, you can simply discard the Levels adjustment layer. To learn more about creating adjustment layers.
A Levels adjustment layer is directly connected to the Levels dialog box. As such, you can easily summon the Levels dialog box at any time to make changes to the shadows, midtones, and highlights of an image. The Input sliders in the dialog box enable you to remap black and white points in your image to make improvements to the image’s overall contrast.
This photo appears a bit dull and lacking in contrast.
- Display the Layers palette.
Note: You can activate the Layers
palette from the palette well or
click Window ➪ Layers.
- Click here and select Levels.

Elements adds a new adjustment layer to the Layers palette, and
the Levels dialog box opens.
- Drag the Input Levels highlight slider to just inside of where the lightest image information begins.
The pixels in the highlights immediately lighten.

- Drag the Input Levels shadow slider to the right a small amount.
- The pixels in the shadow areas immediately darken.
- Click OK.

Elements applies the changes made in the adjustment layer, and the photo’s contrast improves.
- To return to the Levels dialog box at any time for more adjustments, simply double-click the Levels thumbnail.
- To switch between the before and after image, click the eye icon to turn on or off the visibility of the adjustment layer.


Recent Comments