How can I reduce banding when Photoshop Auto-Blend Layers creates a panorama?
Asked 3/25/2016
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When I stitch a panorama in Photoshop from RAW files, Auto-Blend Layers can introduce visible banding/posterization in smooth areas like the sky. Is there a good way to avoid or reduce this during blending, or fix it afterward?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
1
duplicate the image into two separate layers the first layer blur the layer until there isn't any banding; since there isn't any stars or objects in the sky. then drag that blured layer below the unedited layer. using the eraser tool use a softer brush and gradually erase bottom to top. that should help with fix the banding and also make the image look sharper.
Originally by user49968. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user49968
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. A common cause is blending in too low a bit depth or having masks with transitions that are too abrupt.
The most reliable prevention mentioned is to do the blend in 16-bit mode rather than 8-bit; this gives smoother tonal transitions and can noticeably reduce banding in skies.
If the panorama is already built, you can often improve it manually:
- Check the layer masks Photoshop created and soften them by increasing mask feathering so the transitions between frames are gentler.
- For a quick repair in featureless sky, make a blurred duplicate layer, place it under the sharper image, and softly erase/mask the top layer so the blurred layer only helps smooth the banded area.
In short: use 16-bit for future blends, and for existing files refine the masks or selectively smooth the sky.
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