Removing Noise

You can use the Remove Noise tool to remove noise from your images while preserving details that you want to retain.

You can use the Remove Noise tool to remove hot image pixels caused by digital cameras with malfunctioning CCD array sensors, or the extra pixels caused by a dusty scanner or camera lens.

You can save your settings as a preset for future use.

To Remove Noise from an Image:

  1. In Edit mode, in the Detail group, select Noise.
  2. You can also access the Noise tool from the Filter drop-down menu or Filter toolbar.

  3. Select the Remove Noise tab.
  4. Select an option from the Noise Type section.
  5. Set the options as described below.
  6. Hold down the Alt key while adjusting a slider to view a preview of its effect on the image.

  7. Do one of the following:
    • Click Done to apply your changes and close the Remove Noise tool.
    • Click Cancel to discard all changes and close the tool.

Click Reset to clear your changes and reset to default settings. If you saved your changes, you cannot reset your settings. If you want to discard only the Edit settings, select File | Restore to Developed.

Noise Removal Options

Apply to channel

  Modifies a targeted color channel by mixing the existing color channels in the image.

Noise Type

 

Camera Noise Removal

Removes digital camera noise. Adjust the following sliders to further remove noise:

   

Luminance

Reduces the random variations of brightness in the noise.

   

Strength

Controls the strength of the Luminance slider.

   

Color

Reduces the random variations of color in the noise.

   

Preserve Detail

Restores details lost due to strong noise removal. Set the slider to adjust how much detail is restored.

   

Preserve Detail Threshold

Determines the level of detail necessary to be included in the Preserve Detail slider's adjustments.

 

Median Noise Removal

Reduces impulsive, or salt-and-pepper noise while preserving edges. Select from the following options to further remove noise:

   

Square

Removes noise using a 3 x 3 pixel square.

   

X

Removes noise using a 3 x 3 pixel X shape. Use this option when you want to preserve an image's thin and diagonal lines.

   

Plus

Removes noise using a 3 x 3 pixel plus (+) shape. Use this option when you want to preserve an image's thin, vertical, and horizontal lines.

 

Despeckle

Removes noise.

 

You can right-click a slider to reset to the default value.

You can use the Edit Brush to paint this effect onto specific areas of your image.

You can use the Gradient tool to transition this effect across specific areas of your image.

You can use the Radial Gradient tool to apply effects around, or directly to, a center point.

See also: