How to change a color in Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a widely used software among photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists. One of the tasks that Photoshop excels at is changing or modifying colors in an image. Whether you want to adjust a product’s color, enhance a landscape, or experiment with creative effects, Photoshop provides powerful tools and techniques to achieve your desired result. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to a color in Photoshop.

Step 1: Open the Image
Start by launching Adobe Photoshop and opening the image you wish to work on. Navigate to File > Open, locate your image file, and click on the Open button.

Step 2: Select the Object or Area to Change the Color
Using the selection tool of your preference, such as the Magic Wand tool or the Quick Selection tool, select the object or the specific area where you want to change the color. Take your time to ensure that the selection is accurate and inclusive of all desired components.

Step 3: Create a New Adjustment Layer
With the selection active, click on the “Create a new adjustment layer” button located at the bottom of the Layers panel. It resembles a half-filled circle icon. Choose the adjustment layer that corresponds to the color you want to change. For instance, if you want to alter the color of a person’s shirt to green, select the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer.

Step 4: Adjust the Hue/Saturation Settings
In the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer properties panel that appears, you can modify the hue, saturation, and lightness of the selected area. To change the color, adjust the Hue slider until you achieve the desired shade. You can also experiment with the Saturation and Lightness sliders to fine-tune the color-changing effect.

Step 5: Refine the Selection (Optional)
While the initial selection may be satisfactory in many cases, you might need to refine it further for a more accurate color change. To do this, utilize tools like the Refine Edge Brush or the Quick Mask mode, accessible through the respective buttons at the bottom of the Tools panel. These tools allow you to brush over the edges of the selection to refine it based on fine details and differentiating colors.

Step 6: Paint the New Color (Optional)
If you want to change the color of an object that was not initially selected, you can do so by using the Brush tool. Ensure the adjustment layer mask is active, select an appropriate brush, adjust its size and opacity, and carefully paint over the desired area. The selected color will replace the original hue within that region.

Step 7: Fine-Tune and Apply Blending Modes (Optional)
To achieve more nuanced color changes or enhance the integration of the new color, experiment with different blending modes of the adjustment layer. The blending modes can be found at the top of the Layers panel. Play with options like Overlay, Soft Light, or Color to bring out interesting variations and effects.

Step 8: Save Your Edited Image
Once you are satisfied with the color changes, it’s important to save your work. Navigate to File > Save As, choose a suitable file format, and save the image with a different name to preserve the original file.

Changing colors in Photoshop allows for endless creative possibilities. By following these steps, you can accurately modify colors in your images and achieve the desired effect. Remember to experiment with different adjustment layers, blending modes, and refining techniques to elevate your color-changing skills.