How do I adjust the brightness on one layer in Photoshop?

To adjust the brightness on a single layer in Photoshop, follow these steps:

Steps to Adjust Layer Brightness

Here's a detailed breakdown of how to adjust the brightness of a specific layer, based on the provided reference:

Select the Target Layer: In the Layers panel, click on the layer you wish to adjust. This ensures you are only modifying the chosen layer.
Make a Selection (Optional): If you only want to adjust the brightness of a specific object or area within the layer, use a selection tool like the Quick Selection tool to highlight the area you want to modify. If you want to adjust the entire layer, you can skip this step.
- For more detailed instructions on selection tools, refer to: Photoshop: Selection Tools
Apply an Adjustment: Go to the Adjustments panel and select an adjustment layer that will allow you to change the brightness. This can be done with several adjustments such as:
- Brightness/Contrast: A simple way to adjust the brightness and contrast together.
- Levels: Provides more precise control over tonal ranges, including brightness.
- Curves: Offers the most flexible and powerful method for adjusting brightness and color.
Configure the Adjustment: Adjust the sliders or settings in the selected adjustment layer to achieve the desired brightness level. The adjustments will only apply to the selected layer or selection within the layer if a selection was made.

Let's say you have an image with a flower on one layer and a background on another. To make the flower brighter without affecting the background:

Select the flower layer.
Use the Quick Selection tool to select the flower (if needed to target specific area).
Choose "Brightness/Contrast" from the Adjustments panel.
Increase the brightness using the slider until the flower appears as desired.

Adjustment layers are non-destructive, meaning they don't directly alter the original pixels of the image layer.
You can combine multiple adjustment layers for complex effects.
You can mask out areas on an adjustment layer to limit its effect to certain portions of the layer.