Curves adjustment

Adjust the colour, tone and alpha channels with the curves adjustment, either on individual channels or by adjusting the master curve.

Curve reset

Inverted S Curve

S Curve

Curve reset

In the images above, the effects of a default reset curve, an inverted "S" curve and an "S" curve are presented. As shown, the inverted "S" curve type can be used to reveal more detail in the shadows whilst protecting the highlights. The "S" curve, on the other hand, is typically used to obtain better control over image contrast while delivering deeper shadows and brighter highlights.

You can use the Curves adjustment to manipulate individual colour channels. The adjustment can be used on placed images as well.

Settings

Apply this adjustment via the Adjustments panel using the following settings:

About curves

Curves can be used as a powerful alternative to controlling the brightness and contrast of your images. Depending on the position of nodes on the curve, various luminance levels can be achieved. The Curves graph is divided into three distinct areas responsible for:

When the curve is lifted up, the area of the image affected will increase in its luminance value making those regions brighter. When pulled down, the luminance value will decrease thus making those areas darker.

Adjustment layer type
From left: Curves adjustments affecting highlights, shadows, and midtones, respectively.
To adjust a curves graph:

After tapping the Spline graph in the dialog, do any of the following:

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