To edit filters in Photoshop, you primarily use the Filter Gallery or adjustment layers with smart filters. Here's how:
Using the Filter Gallery
The Filter Gallery provides a direct way to apply and adjust various filters.
- Access the Filter Gallery: Go to the top menu, click Filter > Filter Gallery.
- This opens a dialog box with a preview of your image and a list of filter groups and individual filters.
- Select a Filter: Click on a filter within the gallery to apply it to your image.
- Adjust Filter Settings: Each filter has its own set of adjustable settings, such as intensity, detail, and other parameters. These settings are found on the right side of the Filter Gallery interface.
- Stack Multiple Filters: You can apply multiple filters to your image by adding them at the bottom of the filter list in the Filter Gallery. Each filter will affect the layers below it.
- Change Filter Order: To change the order of filters, simply drag and drop them in the filter stack. This changes the way the filters interact.
- Edit Individual Filters: Click on any filter in the stack to re-edit its settings.
- Apply Filter: Click OK to apply the chosen filters.
Using Smart Filters with Adjustment Layers
Another way to edit filters is through the use of smart filters in combination with adjustment layers.
- Convert the Layer to a Smart Object: Select the layer you want to filter, right-click and select "Convert to Smart Object."
- Apply a Filter: Apply filters to the Smart Object.
- Edit Smart Filters:
- Smart filters are applied non-destructively, meaning you can change the filter settings at any time. Double-click on the filter below your layer in the Layers panel to re-access its settings and adjust them.
- You can hide/show filters by clicking on the eye icon next to it.
- You can delete the smart filter.
- You can adjust the blend mode of each filter.
- Use Adjustment Layers with Smart Filters: Add adjustment layers (such as curves, levels, hue/saturation) to affect the filters below, giving more control.
Examples of Filter Editing
- Blur: To adjust a blur filter, open the filter gallery or smart filter and play with radius, blur type, etc.
- Sharpening: Use the sharpen filter within either the filter gallery or Smart Filter settings, adjusting the amount and detail.
- Artistic filters: To tweak these, you'd need to go to the Filter Gallery and adjust each individual filter.
Tips for Effective Editing
- Non-Destructive Editing: Using smart objects is crucial for maintaining image quality when applying filters.
- Preview Changes: Always use the preview in the Filter Gallery to see how changes impact your image in real-time.
- Experimentation: Don't hesitate to try different filter combinations and settings to find the effects that work best for your image.
