How do I create an adjustment layer in Photoshop CC?

To create an adjustment layer in Photoshop CC, there are several methods you can use, allowing for non-destructive image editing.

Here's how:

1. Using the Adjustments Panel:

   • Go to Window > Adjustments to open the Adjustments panel.
   • Click on any of the adjustment icons in the panel (e.g., Brightness/Contrast, Levels, Curves, Exposure, Vibrance, Hue/Saturation, Color Balance, Black & White, Photo Filter, Channel Mixer, Color Lookup, Invert, Posterize, Threshold, Gradient Map, Selective Color).
   • This will create a new adjustment layer above the currently selected layer.

2. Using the Layers Panel:

   • At the bottom of the Layers panel, click the "Create new fill or adjustment layer" icon (it looks like a half-filled circle).
   • A dropdown menu will appear, listing all available adjustment layers. Select the one you want.
   • This will add the adjustment layer above the selected layer.

3. From the Menu Bar:

   • Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer.
   • Choose the type of adjustment layer you want to create from the submenu.
   • A dialog box may appear, allowing you to name the layer and set initial settings. Click "OK".

Why use adjustment layers?

Adjustment layers are non-destructive, meaning they don't directly alter the pixels of the original image. Instead, they apply adjustments on top of the image layers. This allows you to:

• Experiment with different adjustments without permanently changing your image.
• Easily modify or remove adjustments later.
• Use layer masks to apply adjustments selectively to specific areas of the image.

Example: If you want to increase the brightness of a photo, you would:

1. Create a "Brightness/Contrast" adjustment layer (using any of the methods above).
2. In the Properties panel for the adjustment layer (which automatically opens), adjust the "Brightness" slider to the desired level.

You can then further refine the adjustment by:

• Adjusting the "Contrast" slider.
• Adding a layer mask to apply the brightness adjustment only to certain parts of the image.

By utilizing adjustment layers, you maintain flexibility and control over your image editing process in Photoshop CC.