Adjustment layer- curves.

Adjustment layer- curves. I have always used a Curves Adjustment Layer in CS3 to brighten images and increase contrast. I have just upgraded to CS6 and when I open the adjustment layer and try to Command Click choose points in the photograph to drag the line up or down to darken or lighten I get instead some crazy saturation changes. What am I missing?

Thank you very much, everybody. Turns out when I lucked on selecting the hand icon, that sets up a click & drag for a light point and a dark point. That works well and is basically what I was doing before.

Similar Messages

Re: Photoshop CC - adjustment layer curves issue

First post here in the discussion,
Just upgraded CS6 to CC and really enjoy alot of the changes but there seems to be a bug with the adjustment layer curves (not regular curves).
If I make a change to the curve using modification point and then toggle "undo", the preview of the image will toggle on and off with the change but the modification point does not reset. This point stays in the original position even if the curves are not in effect and will only reset when another layer is selected before returning back to these curves.
One must also manually reset the point if you wanted to revert back to the original (instead of undo) because if you place another modification point on the curve it will revert back to the change you made earlier.
Am I missing something or is this a bug?
Cheers!
- Elder

Just repeating what's already been said above.
Having the same problem with Photoshop CC, tricky to explain this one:
Working in Curves and/or Selective Color Adjustment layers (probably in any adjustment layer) is very buggy.
When I do a change f.ex. let's say I'm tweaking inside curves and undo my last change it does reflect it on screen but not in the dialog/palette. So when I do my next tweak both my old tweak (not reflected on screen anymore but still there) and the new one goes into effect.
It's driving me nuts and have forced me to go back to CS6.
Adobe HEEEELP!!!!
Mac Pro
2 x 2.8 Ghz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
24 GB 800 Mhz DDR2 FB-DIMM
4 Disk RAID
Running 10.6.8

Cs3 curve adjustament layer , can i zoom and use the hand too ?

Hi
i have a question about cs3 , under xp
i add a curve adjustament layer ,-> curve dialog (window) open -> well i can zoom with the mouse wheel
but if i keep the space keyboard pressed , i can't use the hand tool
when i click the space keyboard , it works like the [ok] button , in short if like i click on ok and close the window
is there a tip to use the curve adjustament layer , zoom and use the hand tool
thanks
cheers

That's the behavior you would expect in general when using the space bar while a dialog is open in Windows, since the space bar is normally expected to operate the default button - [OK] in this case. Just for thoroughness I did reproduce the issue with Photoshop CS3 just now, just as you described. I don't believe there's any workaround.
This is likely one reason why Adobe implemented the new Adjustments Panel in Photoshop CS4 to replace that dialog entirely. In PS CS4 and newer you get the functionality you desire - that of having the space bar invoke the Panning feature, even though you may be changing the parameters of an Adjustment layer.
-Noel

CS4 won't let me erase part of an adjustment layer

I have Adobe Photoshop CS4 and what I USED to be able to do with CS3, I can no longer do. Any suggestions are welcome.
I have a photo that needs a portion of the yellow desaturated. I created a duplicate layer, did a desat adjustment, selected the mask (on the saturation layer) and tried to erase. It will do nothing. It should erase (which would bring back my original layer's colors) everything except what I don't want fully saturated.
I have reset my tools, thinking that was the problem, but no luck. Anybody have any ideas??
Oh! And this also happens with ANY adjustment layer - curves, levels, etc. etc.

I agree that the Brush Tool is the logical choice to use. However, one can paint in with the Eraser Tool, by hitting the X key. I'll often have the Eraser Tool setup with, say the Block, and my Brush Tool setup with normal "Brush" characteristics, and go between them, hitting the X key to swap the Eraser from "erasing" to painting.
I believe that this is what happened to the OP, and X will swap the colors to give one the opposite effect.
Hunt

Adjustment Layer modifications do not appear in Actions

Problem with action in Photoshop CC
This problem occurs only on my own computer, on another computer, no problem.
If I make an action containing an adjustment layer, for example an adjustment layer curves, it is designed to neatly. I then bring a change to the curve, it does appear in the picture and in the history, but not in the action. What goes wrong?
I may have to remove and reinstall all CC photoshop? Do I get any licensing issues?
Message was edited by: Brett N

Hi,
See if unchecking the Generator plugins in the photoshop (edit)>preferences>plug-ins makes a difference.
Also, ensure that you have the latest photoshop cc updates by going to Help>Updates from within photoshop cc or using the creative cloud application.

Adjustment layer to apply to a previous layer mask

i want to use a separate adjustment layer (curves) to apply to the previous layer luminance mask only rather than to the layer as a whole -
possible or no -
i can't see a way to separate applied curves from the mask -
ta,
d

thanks for the quick replies - here is a more detailed explanation of what i want to do -
i've made a luminance mask (command/alt/tilde) and applied it to the layer (to apply sharpening in highlights only) - now, i can also apply curves to this mask for a more precise application of the mask - i'm fine with all this - however -
i'd like to make all of this into an action, still no problem - but i'd like to have the curves (applied to the luminance mask) as a separate layer so that they could be varied after different pictures are put thru the action -
when i try to make a curve adjustment layer it will only apply to the complete picture + mask layer below - i want it to apply to only the mask so that it is tweakable after the batch action -
does this make sense now, and if so is it possible, have i missed something -
thanks,
d

CS4 Adjustment Layer Panel - Where Is OK Icon

1. Clicked on Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Curves (or, in the alternative, the Crate New Fill Or Adjustment Layer icon at bottom of Layers panel, then selected Curves (it need not have been Curves - any adjustment poses the same issue).
2. Did my adjustment.
3. Photoshop CS4 for Dummies, p. 363 says, "In the adjustment's dialog box, make any edits and then click OK."
4. The book, "Using Adobe Photoshop CS4" by Adobe, also refers to the "OK."
I have examined my computer display for 40 minutes and cannot find an "OK" icon/button. Can you help me locate it? I'm aware I don't have to find it as I can just go on with my work, since the layer has been created and I know how to close the Adjustments panel, but I want to find the darn OK icon/button.
Note: I'm also aware of how to open the Window > Adjustments panel.
Thanks.

“Layers, The Complete Guide To Photoshop’s Most Powerful Feature”
By Matt Kloskowski
Peachpit Press (2008) [A really fine book]
Page 63: “Go over to the Layers panel. Look at the very bottom for the little half-black/half-white circle icon. This is the Create New Adjustment Layer icon. Click on it…”
Page 64: “Since you’re already there, choose Hue/Saturation from the pop-up menu to add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. You’ll see the Hue/Saturation dialog open. Drag the Hue setting to -32. That changes the color of the daisy to orange.
Once you’ve settled on a color, click OK to close the Hue/Saturation dialog.”

How to fix numeric entry box in Curves adjustment layer?

In the Curves adjustment layer Properties box there are numeric entry boxes for changing input and output values. The first few times I experimented with changing the output values of a selected point in the R, G, & B channels, all went well. Now, although I believe I am using the same method, I can only access the input value box. The moment I click on the output value box both boxes black out and no entry is possible. I'm using the Windows version of Photoshop CC, so Tab doesn't work to get from the input to the output box. I have tried resetting the Preferences for Photoshop and that seemed to work once, briefly, but now that makes no difference.
I have fixed the problem with Adobe Customer Support Chat. The solution was to delete the Adobe Photoshop CC Settings folder. With Photoshop closed, open the Start menu and type %AppData% in the search bar (Windows 7); this takes you to the Roaming folder where you then navigate to the Adobe folder and the Adobe Photoshop CC folder. We removed the Adobe Phototshop CC Settings folder by dragging it to the desktop. Once it was established that this fixed the problem, the folder was deleted from the desktop.
Message was edited by: C55279
Problem solved

I've noticed that a few times on windows 8 32 bit, photoshop cs6 32 bit with 4gb of ram, a nVidia 8400 gs graphics card and open gl seems to work fine.
I guess that's probably some kind of glitch.
One way to get back the dropdown is to click on the Curves Display Options in the flyout menu and then just click OK in the dialog.
Added: It doesn't seem to happen if the crop tool is set to Classic Mode.
Message was edited by: R_Kelly

I can't get photoshop to record a curve adjustment layer preset.

I am trying to record an action on a colleague's machine that has a custom curve setting but cant seem to get it to stick as a playable action step. He has one of the new trashcans (Mac Pro) with a system version of 10.9.4 and photoshop version of 2014.2.2. I am able to do it on my machine by recording the addition of the curve adjustment layer then selecting a pre-created curve preset. I am running Photoshop 2014.0.0. This does not work on his machine....quite maddening. Any ideas?

Did you set up the custom setting as a preset on all machines that will be using the action the loads the curves preset?
How did you record the Levels adjustment?
Did you add an adjustment layer or just use levels?
If you added an adjustment layer two step are recorded in newer versions of Photoshop. First step add the adjustment layer the second step setsl adjustment settings. The recording of the adjustment setting is delayed till you commit the adjustment by doing the next action step. How the add adjustment layer plays back can vary for Adobe introduced bugs in CS4 adding the Adjustment Panel they included two option that can change how Photoshop operates. And Actions and Scripts can not control or access these options.

Using color sampler values with curves adjustment layer

Hi, I have just started trying to teach myself javascript. Based on preliminary research, it's become apparent that there are many functions in Photoshop that are either extremely cumbersome or impossible to code by hand without using the Script Listener.
My goal is as follows: first, I will manually load two photos as layers in a single document. Then I will manually place two or more color sampler points on the document. At this point I would like the script to create a curves adjustment layer (ideally clipped to layer 2) and place as individual channel anchor points the RGB data from the color sampler points on Layer 2, and then adjust the output of the points on each channel to the color sampler RGB values of layer 1.
As my first script, I realize this is probably going to be a lot of work.
I did find some code that returns the average value of manually placed color sampler points. Conceptually then, I would need to add code which creates a new curves adjustment layer and adds those RGB values (from a specific layer) as anchor points on the individual channels, and then hides one layer and looks at the RGB values of the color sampler points, and uses them as the output values for each anchor point.
Sounds simple enough from a conceptual standpoint.
I'm looking for some guidance on how to get started.
Which parts will I definitely need Scriptlistener for and will that be adequate to do the job?
How would you recommend I get started on this?
Thanks very much for any input.

The function I had provided was an example into which you would need to feed the values you got with Mike’s code.
The code below would create a Curves Layer as shown in the screenshot, but I’m not sure it would work reasonably for all cases.
// with code by mike hale;
// 2012, use it at your own risk;
// call the function to run the script
#target photoshop
createCurveAdjustmetFromColorSamplers();
// create a function fo hold most of the code
function createCurveAdjustmetFromColorSamplers(){
    // first add some condition checks
    // needs an open document in a color mode that supports layers
    if(app.documents.length == 0 || ( app.activeDocument.mode == DocumentMode.BITMAP || app.activeDocument.mode == DocumentMode.INDEXEDCOLOR ) ){
        alert('This script requires a document in Greyscale, RGB, CMYK, or Lab mode.');
        return;
    // check for at least two colorSamplers
    if(app.activeDocument.colorSamplers.length < 2 ){
        alert('This script requires at least two colorSamplers.');
        return;
    // last check for at least two layers - assume they will be on same level( not in layerSet )
    if(app.activeDocument.layers.length < 2 ){
        alert('This script requires at least two layers.');
        return;
    // create varaibles to hold the colorSampler's color property for each layer
    // for the bottom layer
    var outputArray = new Array();
    // for top layer - array could also be created this way
    var inputArray = [];
    // store the number of samples because it will be needed in more than one place
    var numberOfSamples = app.activeDocument.colorSamplers.length;
    // hide the top layer
    app.activeDocument.layers[0].visible = false;
    // collect the samples from the bottom layer
    for(var sampleIndex = 0; sampleIndex < numberOfSamples; sampleIndex++ ){
        outputArray.push(app.activeDocument.colorSamplers[sampleIndex].color);
    // turn the top layer back on
    app.activeDocument.layers[0].visible = true;
    // collect those samples
    for(var sampleIndex = 0; sampleIndex < numberOfSamples; sampleIndex++ ){
        inputArray.push(app.activeDocument.colorSamplers[sampleIndex].color);
    // make sure the top layer is the activeLayer
    app.activeDocument.activeLayer = app.activeDocument.layers[0];
// create arrays of the color values:
var theArray = [[0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0]];
for (var m = 0; m < inputArray.length; m++) {
theArray.push([inputArray[m].rgb.red, outputArray[m].rgb.red, inputArray[m].rgb.green, outputArray[m].rgb.green, inputArray[m].rgb.blue, outputArray[m].rgb.blue]);
theArray.push([255, 255, 255, 255, 255, 255]);
// sort;
theArray.sort(sortArrayByIndexedItem);
// makeCurveAdjustmentLayer();
rgbCurvesLayer (theArray)
////// make rgb curves layer //////
function rgbCurvesLayer (theArray) {
// =======================================================
var idMk = charIDToTypeID( "Mk " );
    var desc5 = new ActionDescriptor();
    var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
        var ref2 = new ActionReference();
        var idAdjL = charIDToTypeID( "AdjL" );
        ref2.putClass( idAdjL );
    desc5.putReference( idnull, ref2 );
    var idUsng = charIDToTypeID( "Usng" );
        var desc6 = new ActionDescriptor();
        var idType = charIDToTypeID( "Type" );
            var desc7 = new ActionDescriptor();
            var idpresetKind = stringIDToTypeID( "presetKind" );
            var idpresetKindType = stringIDToTypeID( "presetKindType" );
            var idpresetKindDefault = stringIDToTypeID( "presetKindDefault" );
            desc7.putEnumerated( idpresetKind, idpresetKindType, idpresetKindDefault );
        var idCrvs = charIDToTypeID( "Crvs" );
        desc6.putObject( idType, idCrvs, desc7 );
    var idAdjL = charIDToTypeID( "AdjL" );
    desc5.putObject( idUsng, idAdjL, desc6 );
executeAction( idMk, desc5, DialogModes.NO );
// =======================================================
var idsetd = charIDToTypeID( "setd" );
    var desc8 = new ActionDescriptor();
    var idnull = charIDToTypeID( "null" );
        var ref3 = new ActionReference();
        var idAdjL = charIDToTypeID( "AdjL" );
        var idOrdn = charIDToTypeID( "Ordn" );
        var idTrgt = charIDToTypeID( "Trgt" );
        ref3.putEnumerated( idAdjL, idOrdn, idTrgt );
    desc8.putReference( idnull, ref3 );
    var idT = charIDToTypeID( "T   " );
        var desc9 = new ActionDescriptor();
        var idpresetKind = stringIDToTypeID( "presetKind" );
        var idpresetKindType = stringIDToTypeID( "presetKindType" );
        var idpresetKindCustom = stringIDToTypeID( "presetKindCustom" );
        desc9.putEnumerated( idpresetKind, idpresetKindType, idpresetKindCustom );
        var idAdjs = charIDToTypeID( "Adjs" );
            var list1 = new ActionList();
                var desc10 = new ActionDescriptor();
                var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var ref4 = new ActionReference();
                    var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var idRd = charIDToTypeID( "Rd " );
                    ref4.putEnumerated( idChnl, idChnl, idRd );
                desc10.putReference( idChnl, ref4 );
                var idCrv = charIDToTypeID( "Crv " );
                    var list2 = new ActionList();
// add r points;
for (var m = 0; m < theArray.length; m++) {
          addCurvePoint (list2, theArray[m], 0)
                desc10.putList( idCrv, list2 );
            var idCrvA = charIDToTypeID( "CrvA" );
            list1.putObject( idCrvA, desc10 );
                var desc15 = new ActionDescriptor();
                var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var ref5 = new ActionReference();
                    var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var idGrn = charIDToTypeID( "Grn " );
                    ref5.putEnumerated( idChnl, idChnl, idGrn );
                desc15.putReference( idChnl, ref5 );
                var idCrv = charIDToTypeID( "Crv " );
                    var list3 = new ActionList();
// add g points;
for (var m = 0; m < theArray.length; m++) {
          addCurvePoint (list3, theArray[m], 2)
                desc15.putList( idCrv, list3 );
            var idCrvA = charIDToTypeID( "CrvA" );
            list1.putObject( idCrvA, desc15 );
                var desc20 = new ActionDescriptor();
                var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var ref6 = new ActionReference();
                    var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var idChnl = charIDToTypeID( "Chnl" );
                    var idBl = charIDToTypeID( "Bl " );
                    ref6.putEnumerated( idChnl, idChnl, idBl );
                desc20.putReference( idChnl, ref6 );
                var idCrv = charIDToTypeID( "Crv " );
                    var list4 = new ActionList();
// add b points;
for (var m = 0; m < theArray.length; m++) {
          addCurvePoint (list4, theArray[m], 4)
                desc20.putList( idCrv, list4 );
            var idCrvA = charIDToTypeID( "CrvA" );
            list1.putObject( idCrvA, desc20 );
        desc9.putList( idAdjs, list1 );
    var idCrvs = charIDToTypeID( "Crvs" );
    desc8.putObject( idT, idCrvs, desc9 );
executeAction( idsetd, desc8, DialogModes.NO );
return app.activeDocument.activeLayer;
////// add curve point //////
function addCurvePoint (theList, valueHor, theNumber) {
var desc11 = new ActionDescriptor();
var idHrzn = charIDToTypeID( "Hrzn" );
desc11.putDouble( idHrzn, valueHor[theNumber] );
var idVrtc = charIDToTypeID( "Vrtc" );
desc11.putDouble( idVrtc, valueHor[theNumber+1] );
var idPnt = charIDToTypeID( "Pnt " );
theList.putObject( idPnt, desc11 );
////// sort a double array, thanks to sam, http://www.rhinocerus.net/forum/lang-javascript/ //////
function sortArrayByIndexedItem(a,b) {
var theIndex = 0;
if (a[theIndex]<b[theIndex]) return -1;
if (a[theIndex]>b[theIndex]) return 1;
return 0;

Can't click drop-down lists in curves adjustment layer

Odd behavior in released x64 version of CS6 for Windows: on my laptop (ASUS G73S with 1.5 gb nVidia GeForce video), when I crop an image, the drop-down menus in a curves adjustment layer become unclickable. But I can still access the RGB channels using the Alt + 3, 4 and 5 shortcuts. This behavior doesn't occur on my workstation, and if I don't crop the image, the drop-down menus work fine. I have the crop tool set to delete pixels. Also, if I apply curves directly (not with an adjustment layer), the dialog box works OK. And the other adjustment layers seem to be working, too. It's only the curves layer that's doing this.
Any ideas what this could be? I'm wondering if I should report it as a bug.

I've noticed that a few times on windows 8 32 bit, photoshop cs6 32 bit with 4gb of ram, a nVidia 8400 gs graphics card and open gl seems to work fine.
I guess that's probably some kind of glitch.
One way to get back the dropdown is to click on the Curves Display Options in the flyout menu and then just click OK in the dialog.
Added: It doesn't seem to happen if the crop tool is set to Classic Mode.
Message was edited by: R_Kelly

Using Gradient Map Adjustment Layer to Emulate Curves

In PSE 4, the Curves function isn't available, either natively or via add-on
tools. Personally, I like adding a modest S-curve to many of my photos to
improve the contrast. Oh, well...
I remember, however, that Susan Stewart (one of the early members of this
forum) had developed a technique to use the Gradient Map Adjustment Layer as
a curves surrogate. I'm not sure exactly what she did, but I believe it
involved using the black-to-white gradient and setting the layer blend mode
to Overlay. The gradient can be modified by adding Color Stops along the
continuum between black and white to create the S-shape.
Anyone have any experience with this approach - or another Curves
replacement to consider?
Thanks,
Chuck

Chuck,
It involves using the Luminosity blend mode. Here's a PDF that gives instructions. Skip down to Version two page 3 or 4 for instructions on using a gradient map to simulate curves.
http://books.elsevier.com/companions/0240519566/pdfs/curves.pdf
Terri

Problem: curve adjustment layer in cs4

Ive upgraded to CS4 and I have found that the curves Adjustment layer runs slow and sticky and Its difficult to make fine adjustments. (the regular curves window works fine but you cant save it as an adjustment layer) I am running 10.5.6 on a 2x3 GHz Dual-core intel with 9gb of ram, a scratch disk of raid 0 with 500gb of freespace. This should not be a problem for my machine. is there a setting I am missing or is CS4 no good?

I understand your annoyance about this. I didn't say it doesn't work, it does.
"fine, critical moves that are intuitive and subtle" that's the problem with the new adjustments panel, it is more difficult to make these fine adjustments, still possible just less responsive. You can still bring up the old dialog.
Did you do a search to find my explanation of how to use CS3 to create Actions that will bring up the modal dialog? I'm not going to take the time to explain it again, if you haven't done this. There is also a Configurator panel that John Knack posted has two buttons 'create new curve' and 'edit existing curve'. Configurator is a new app that Adobe have introduced. Read all the discussions so far on the forum.

Can't find so can't remove mystery streak on curves adjustment layer

Take a look at the attached image. I'm working with a psd file someone gave me. There's a weird bluish streak on the top one that I'm trying to get rid of. You'll notice it's on a curves adjustment layer. At least I assume it is. I made that layer red in the layers palette. When I turn it off, the blue streak goes away (see bottom image). I want the curves adjustment... just not the blue streak. I can't figure out how to get rid of it! It's definitely part of that layer... but I can't "find" it. I can't get rid of it by filling the adjustment layer with black or white. I can't select it. I can't do anything other than turn off that layer! Any ideas? I'm not sure it's a streak. It may be something is erased? But again, I can't select it so I can't fix it. Any ideas? Thanks!
julie

How about the mask that's on the group?
This is the kind of thing that's very difficult to diagnose without having the PSD file to look over.
-Noel

It's time to fix the Curves adjustment layer

Many Photoshop users consider the Curves panel to be Photoshop's most important feature. For many Curves users, the Layer panel introduced in CS4 does not offer the speed, the instinctive use, nor the superior results of the older Curves Layer panel. The Curves dialog includes all the features that long-time users rely on. Some of these features have not been included in the Adjustment Layer version. They should all be available in the Layers panel, too.

Adobe has already done a few things to fix the early complaints about the Curves panel. You can assign a keyboard shortcut to the Targeted Adjustment Tool so that you don't have to click the icon with the mouse. In the Keyboard Shortcut editor, choose Tools from the Shortcuts For menu, then scroll down until you find Targeted Adjustment Tool. There is no shortcut right now, because basically all of them are already in use. You get to pick the shortcut to give up in another part of the program. This shortcut can make it faster to add points by clicking the image (for fans of the old Command-click technique).
Once your points are added, you can still move them with the arrow keys as you always could. Also (a lot of people don't know this), you can select the next/previous points along your curve by pressing the + or - keys. So if you just need to fine-tune each point, when any point is selected just press + or - to step over to the point you want to adjust and then start hitting the arrow keys.
If you put these techniques together, it comes very close to the old Command-click and arrow-key techniqes in the old Curves dialog. In the Curves panel you can perform the adjustments described below, using the keyboard to both navigate and adjust the curve points while keeping your eye on the Info panel and the curve shape.
DMarley wrote:
The alternative approach is to command-click or shift-command-click on the light point, leave the cursor at that location, and then manipulate the curve point (or points) with the arrow keys. This lets you evaluate changes with the Info panel values which are more reliable than the display appearance. After following the same steps for a dark point, flat sections of the curve can repaired by adding additional points and dragging to straighten the curve throughout the range of the important image areas. The focus should be the Info panel numbers and the shape of the curve.
Now as far as the size of the graph goes...
Hudechrome wrote:
So that there is a qualitative change in how they behave isn't a deal breaker for me unless things like resolution (of the curve change not pixels!) suffers, which in turn is connected to how well one can see and manipulate the curve points. That is where the diminished size of the plot comes into play.
A lot of people have complained about the smaller size of the Curves panel, but it's only a disadvantage if the Curves panel is left at its default size. If you max out the size of the Curves panel, it turns out that the plot areas in the old Curves dialog and the new Curves panel are both 256 x 256px...exactly the same!

Adjustment layer- curves.

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