Adjustment layers

Use adjustment layers to apply an adjustment to a specific layer, group, object or an image on your page. This is carried out non-destructively (i.e., without permanently affecting the original layer or object).

Before
After
Before and after a Recolor adjustment layer was applied.

About adjustment layers

Adjustments are applied from the Adjustments panel and most include customizable settings alongside general adjustment options. Once applied, they can be identified as both an adjustment and a specific adjustment type by using unique symbols.

Adjustments can be symbolized, i.e. their settings can be updated across multiple instances of the adjustment layer at the same time.

Adjustment layer type
Curves adjustment layer indicating it is an adjustment (A) and a Curves adjustment type (B).

There may be times that you only want to apply an adjustment layer to either a single layer (e.g., a placed image) or a group of layers. This is easily achieved by clipping.

Adjustment layers also have mask layer properties. Areas of an adjustment layer can be revealed or hidden in the same way as with a mask layer.

Available adjustments:

When an item is selected, the adjustment layer is applied to just that item, i.e. it is clipped. With no selection in place, the adjustment is applied at the top of the layer stack.

With Pixel Persona, adjustment layers can also have mask properties. Areas of an adjustment layer can be revealed or hidden in the same way as with a mask layer.

Adjustments To apply an adjustment:
  1. (Optional) Select an object, layer or group if you want the adjustment applied to just that item.
  2. On the Adjustments panel, select an adjustment.
  3. Adjust the pop-up adjustment settings.

If there was no item selected, the adjustment is added to the top of the layer stack.

To modify, merge or delete an adjustment layer:
  1. On the Layers panel, tap the adjustment type icon of the adjustment layer that you want to modify.
  2. On the pop-up that appears, do one of the following:
    • Edit the adjustment's settings.
    • Tap Reset to reset the adjustment to its default settings.
    • Tap Merge to merge the adjustment with the layer beneath.
    • Tap Delete to remove the adjustment layer entirely.
To move an adjustment layer:

On the Layers panel, do one of the following:

Erase Brush Tool Paint Brush Tool Gradient Tool To mask an adjustment layer:
  1. On the Layers panel, select the Adjustment layer.
  2. Do any of the following:
    • To 'erase' from the mask, paint with the Erase Brush Tool.
    • To 'restore' areas to the mask, select the Paint Brush Tool and paint (white restores fully, shades of gray or a lower opacity will gradually restore areas).
    • To apply a gradient mask, select the Gradient Tool and drag across the layer. Adjust the gradient colors from the Color panel.

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