Adjusting Tone Curves in Edit Mode

In Edit mode, the Tone Curves filter changes the tonal range of an image. Channel Filtering embedded in the Tone Curves pane adjusts either the entire range of the image (RGB), or specific colors (Red, Green, and Blue).

Save adjusted settings as a preset for future use.

Changes made with the Tone Curves filter in Edit mode are pixel-based edits, which are recommended for final touch-ups. For non-destructive changes, use the Tone Curves tool in Develop mode.

To adjust the Brightness Curves in an image:

  1. In Edit mode, do one of the following:
  • In the Filter Menu pane, under the Exposure / Lighting group, select Tone Curves,
  • Select Filter | Exposure / Lighting | Tone Curves from the main menu, or
  • Press U.
  1. Set the options as described below.
  2. Do one of the following:
  • Click Apply to accept any changes and remain in the tool,
  • Click Done to accept any changes and close the tool, or
  • Click Cancel to discard any 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.

Tone Curves Options

Channel

Specifies the color channels to adjust. Options include RGB, Red, Green, and Blue.

Show Histogram

Toggles the histogram display on and off.

Histogram

Displays a graphic of the color information levels in the image, based on the selected channel. Click and drag the line to manipulate the curve. Note that when a point on the curve is clicked, a Node Info Box appears in the top left corner of the Histogram. The Node Info Box contains In and Out pixel values which are set in blocks of color to give a visual representation. The Node Info Box numbers convey that an In value pixel will be changed to the Out value. For example, if the In value is 40 and the Out value is 80, all pixels with a value of 40 will be changed to 80. Clicking the curve adds a new point to the curve. Drag the points up and down the curve. To delete a point, right-click the node and select Delete point.

Color Picker

Drag the cursor onto the image to change the cursor to a color picker that provides the RGB and luminance values of the picker's current location. Click the image at a desired tone to add a corresponding point to the adjustment curve.

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

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

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

See also: