Color Correction and Grading Techniques
Learn professional color correction and grading techniques to make your photos look stunning.
Before you begin
- Photoshop Basics: Getting Started with Layers
The walkthrough
Step by step.
Step 1 of 4
Understanding the Histogram
Open Window > Histogram. This graph shows the tonal distribution in your image. Peaks on the left indicate shadows, middle is midtones, right is highlights. A well-balanced image uses the full range.
- Avoid clipping (pure black or white areas)
- Use histogram to diagnose exposure problems
Step 2 of 4
Using Levels Adjustment
Create a Levels adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels). Drag the black slider to the start of the histogram, white slider to the end. The middle slider adjusts overall brightness.
- Use separate Levels adjustments for each color channel
- Hold Alt/Option while dragging to see clipping
Step 3 of 4
Curves for Precise Control
Add a Curves adjustment layer. Click on the diagonal line to add control points. Drag up to brighten, down to darken. Create an S-curve for contrast: brighten highlights, darken shadows.
- Use Curves for targeted color correction
- Adjust individual RGB channels for color casts
Step 4 of 4
Vibrance and Saturation
Add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. Vibrance boosts muted colors without oversaturating. Saturation affects all colors equally. Use the dropdown to adjust specific color ranges.
- Prefer Vibrance over Saturation for natural results
- Adjust saturation of individual colors for creative effects
Guide complete
