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
Black and White adjustment applied to placed image.

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.

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.

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 to the entire spread.

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:

SEE ALSO: