Using adjustment layers

Use adjustment layers to apply an adjustment to your vector/pixel layer (or object). This is carried out non-destructively (i.e., without permanently affecting the original layer or object).

Adjustment example Layers panel with applied adjustment

Before and after adjustment applied.

About adjustment layers

The Layers panel provides a range of adjustments directly from the panel. Once selected, an adjustment layer is applied to the layer or object.

There may be times that you only want to apply an adjustment layer to either a single layer or a group of layers. This is easily achieved by clipping the adjustment layer to either a layer or sublayer.

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.

Adjustments To apply an adjustment:
  1. On the Layers panel, do one of the following:
    • Select a layer to add the adjustment as a child of the layer. It will affect all objects on the selected layer, depending on the adjustment's position within the layer stack.
    • Select a layer object/group to add the adjustment which affects that object/group only.
  2. Click Adjustments and select an adjustment from the pop-up menu.
  3. If a dialog appears for the adjustment, follow the steps below:
    1. Adjust the settings in the dialog.
    2. Click Close.
To modify, merge or delete an adjustment layer:
  1. In the Layers panel, double-click the adjustment layer that you want to modify.
  2. Adjust the settings in the dialog.
  3. Click Close to apply the changes, Merge to apply the changes and merge the adjustment with the layer beneath, or Delete to remove the adjustment layer entirely.
To move an adjustment layer:

Do one of the following:

Erase Brush tool Paint Brush To mask an adjustment layer:
  1. In 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' the mask, select the Paint Brush and paint.

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