Adjust the tonal values and color balance of an image by setting the black point, white point, and gamma. Adjusting the levels affects the pixel distribution within an image.
Apply this adjustment via the Adjustment button on the Layers panel or via Layer > New Adjustment.
Settings
The following settings can be adjusted in the dialog:
Select a color mode from the first pop-up menu.
Specify a single color channel to apply the adjustment to, including the layer's alpha channel. Master (the default choice) applies the adjustment to all color channels, excluding alpha channel.
Black Level—determines the range of pixels in the image considered to be pure black. Drag the slider to the right to include pixels in the range (thereby increasing shadows), drag to the left to exclude pixels (thereby reducing shadows).
White Level—determines the range of pixels in the image considered to be pure white. Drag the slider to the left to include pixels in the range (thereby increasing highlights), drag to the right to exclude pixels (thereby reducing highlights).
Gamma—determines the distribution of mid-tone pixels in the image. Enter a gamma value or drag the slider to the left to redistribute pixels towards the black point, drag to the right to redistribute towards the white point.
Output Black Level—remaps the output level of absolute black. Moving the slider to the right makes the image look more pale and washed out.
Output White Level—remaps the output level of absolute white. Moving the slider to the left lessens the intensity of highlights in the image.