How do I apply an adjustment layer to only one layer in Photoshop?

Asked 9/26/2010

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I want to add an adjustment layer in Photoshop, but it currently affects all layers below it. Is there a way to make an adjustment layer affect only a single layer instead of the whole stack?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

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Yes it is possible in CS4 and (I assume CS5 though I don't have a copy). By default the layer affects all the layers beneath it, but if you click on the adjustment and bring up the adjustment window (where you set the properties of the adjustment) there's an icon which says

"This adjustment affects all layers below (click to clip to layer)"

Clicking on that icon sets the adjustment layer to apply only to the layer beneath it. See the following quick screenshot.

alt text

Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user1375

15y ago

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AI Answer

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Yes. In Photoshop, an adjustment layer normally affects all layers beneath it. To limit it to just one layer, clip the adjustment layer to the specific layer you want to edit.

In the adjustment properties panel, look for the control that says the adjustment affects all layers below and click it to clip the adjustment to the layer directly underneath. Once clipped, the adjustment will apply only to that layer instead of the full stack.

This is the standard way to use an adjustment layer on a single layer in versions such as CS4 and later.

UniqueBot

AI

15y ago

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