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Tutorials: Applying Unsharp Mask to an Image

  • Before applying the unsharp mask, evaluate your image for noise and other artifacts.  Make all other necessary adjustments, such as levels or color adjustments, on your image.


Before Sharpening

  • When sharpening color images change the mode to LAB and sharpen the lightness channel.   

 

  • This will give you a cleaner, sharpening effect with less haloing. This will not affect the color in your mage.

  •  Go to the Filters > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask.
  • The Palette has a preview area with zoom in and zoom out options. If the preview box is checked you will be able to view your adjustments as you apply them.

  • There are 3 variables for you to adjust: Amount, Threshold, and Radius.
  • The radius determines how far out from each pixel Photoshop will look for brightness differences and then amplify that difference. If the radius is too high, you get a halo effect, when too low the sharpening is not sufficient.
  • The amount is like a volume control. It determines how much brightness difference amplification is applied.
  • The threshold determines how much brightness difference the pixels must have before the effect is applied.
  • The Radius and Threshold setting can make or break an image.
  •  Change the mode back to RGB


After Sharpening

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