How Do I Export Adjustment Layers in Photoshop?

In Photoshop, you don't directly "export" adjustment layers as individual files in the same way you might export an image. Instead, you typically save them as part of a preset or include them within a PSD or other layered file. Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:

1. Saving Adjustment Layers as a Preset

This is useful if you want to reuse a specific combination of adjustment layers across multiple projects.

1. Select the Adjustment Layers: In the Layers panel, select all the adjustment layers you want to save as a preset. You can do this by clicking on the first layer, then holding down the Shift key and clicking on the last layer.

2. Create a New Group (Optional but Recommended): Press Ctrl+G (Windows) or Cmd+G (Mac) to group the selected adjustment layers. This keeps your Layers panel organized.

3. Save the Group as a Preset: Unfortunately, Photoshop does not directly allow saving an adjustment layer group as a preset. However, you can save the individual adjustment layer settings. To do this, you'll generally need to select each Adjustment Layer individually and use its specific save function (if available). For instance:

   • For Curves, Levels, Exposure, etc.: In the Properties panel for the adjustment layer, click the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines or a cogwheel) and choose "Save Preset...". Give your preset a name and save it.
   • For Color Lookup: Save as a 3DLUT (.3dl, .look, .cube) to use in other software. File > Export > Color Lookup Tables
   • For Gradient Map: Save it from the Gradient Editor. Double click on the Gradient Map Layer > Click on the gradient in the Gradient Fill dialog box to open the Gradient Editor > Click the Save button.

4. Loading the Preset: To use the preset in another project or later in the same project, open the relevant adjustment layer type (e.g., Curves). Then, in the Properties panel, click the menu icon and choose "Load Preset..." and select the saved preset file.

2. Saving as a PSD or TIFF File

This method retains all your layers, including adjustment layers, for future editing.

1. Save as PSD: Go to File > Save As... and choose "Photoshop (PSD)" as the format. This is the standard Photoshop format and will preserve all layers, including adjustment layers, blend modes, and layer masks.

2. Save as TIFF (with Layers): Go to File > Save As... and choose "TIFF" as the format. In the TIFF options dialog, make sure "Save Layers" is checked. TIFF is a widely compatible format that can also preserve layers, though PSD is generally preferred for Photoshop-centric workflows.

3. Saving Adjustment Layers with Exporting as a Flattened Image

This method is for when you want to share the final image with the adjustment layers applied, but without providing the editable layers.

1. Flatten the Image (Optional): If you want a single layer, go to Layer > Flatten Image. Note that this makes the adjustment layers permanent and irreversible. Do this only if you are sure you no longer need to edit the individual layers.
2. Export or Save for Web:
   • Export: Go to File > Export > Export As... or File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy).... Choose your desired format (JPEG, PNG, GIF, etc.) and adjust the settings accordingly. The adjustment layers will be applied to the final exported image.
   • Quick Export: Use File > Export > Quick Export as [Format] for a fast export with default settings.

Example Scenario: Bleach Bypass Effect

Let's say you've created a bleach bypass effect using a combination of adjustment layers (e.g., Curves, Hue/Saturation). To reuse this effect, you would:

1. Select the Curves and Hue/Saturation adjustment layers.
2. Save the Curves adjustment layer settings as a preset (as described above).
3. Save the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer settings as a preset.

Later, in a new project, you would add a Curves adjustment layer and load your saved Curves preset. Then, add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer and load your saved Hue/Saturation preset.