Sharpening an image is a vital step in post-processing, bringing out details and creating a crisp, professional look. However, traditional sharpening techniques can permanently alter the original image data, making it difficult to undo mistakes. This is where the magic of non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop comes in!
This guide will delve into a powerful non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop technique using Alpha Channels. We’ll not only enhance image details but also retain the flexibility to adjust the effect later. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your photos without sacrificing quality!
Benefits of Non-Destructive Sharpening in Photoshop:
- Preserves Original Image: Unlike direct sharpening, this non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop method keeps the original data untouched, allowing you to revert to the unedited version anytime.
- Fine-Tuning Control: You can easily adjust the sharpening intensity or modify specific areas without starting over. This level of control makes non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop a valuable asset for precise editing.
- Flexibility for Experimentation: Feel free to explore different settings and blending modes to achieve the perfect level of detail and clarity. Non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop empowers you to experiment freely without repercussions.
Getting Started
This non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop technique is suitable for beginners and experienced users alike. Let’s grab our tools and embark on this sharpening adventure!
Update: I have made a video tutorial about this technique, you can click on the player below to view it right away:
Step 1
Download this image here and load it into Photoshop – firstly we want to duplicate the background layer once (always a good habit when it comes to image editing):
Go to “Channels” (View > Channels) and add a new Alpha Channel:
Then, hit Ctrl + A and select the entire canvas:
Go to the new Alpha Channel, copy and paste the selection onto our Alpha Channel:
Step 2
Go to Filter > Stylize > Find Edge and find the edges of this image on the Alpha Channel:
and here is the effect after the Find Edges Filter applied:
Then go to Image > Adjustments > Levels:
Apply the following Levels adjustment settings: (You can experiment with different values – the ultimate goal is to obtain as much contrast as possible)
Apply the following Gaussian Blur to blur the edges slightly:
You can apply the levels adjustment again to increase the contrast a bit for this Alpha Channel:
And here is the effect on the Alpha Channel:
Step 3
Load the selection on the Alpha 1 channel by holding down the Ctrl key and Left-click here:
Press Ctrl + Shift + I and inverse the selection:
Click on the “Layer 1” layer and go back to the image, you will see the channel selection is still visible:
Hit Ctrl + J and duplicate this selection into a new layer, turn off the background and “layer 1” layer, and you will see the following effect:
Step 4
We’re almost done! On this newly duplicated layer, apply the following Unsharp Mask settings: (Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask)
Hit Ctrl + F and duplicate this unsharp mask filter again, then apply the Fade Unsharp Mask (Shift + Ctrl +F) option once:
Set opacity to 100% and “lighten” blending mode:
and you will have the following effect so far:
Turn the original photo layer back on and you will see the image becomes clearer and contains more details. Here is the before and after effect for various parts of the image:
Hair and Decorations
Before
After
Face and Eyes
Before
After
Skirt
Before
After
Beyond the Basics
This technique provides a solid foundation for non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop. As you experiment, consider these additional tips:
- Experiment with Blending Modes: By adjusting the blending mode of the “Sharpening” layer (e.g., Overlay, Soft Light), you can further refine how the sharpening interacts with the underlying image for a more nuanced effect. This experimentation is a key benefit of non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop.
- Sharpening Specific Areas: If certain areas require more sharpening than others, you can use layer masks to selectively apply the sharpening effect. This targeted approach allows for even greater control within the non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop workflow.
- Frequency Separation: For advanced users, frequency separation offers a powerful technique for sharpening specific details like texture without affecting overall image clarity. By employing this technique alongside non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop, you can achieve exceptional results.
Conclusion
Non-destructive sharpening in Photoshop is a valuable skill for any photographer or image editor. It empowers you to enhance image details while preserving the original data, unlocking a world of creative possibilities. With practice and exploration, you can master this technique and elevate your photos to a whole new level.
11 Comments
Great tutorial. I’ve bookmarked your page and I’m going to start using this technique straightaway. Thanks for sharing!
sorry, but you can achieve the same result (or maybe even better one) in 2 clicks with High-pass filter in Photoshop.
High pass is cool and PSDVault did introduce that technique before, but this one can do better. I ran a couple of tests on various photos and its proved that this technique works better than High Pass :)
I disagree :-)
This technique will cause an ugly and non-removable pixelated effect, as seen on screenshot named “Face and Eyes – after”.
High-pass with Layer masks can do better result when correct numerical values are used, which is in my opinion much better than this “Find edges method”.
I think this method works well when applied on pictures with technical or architectural subjects, but doesn’t work for human face (due square pixelation mentioned above).
But I’ve learned a new workflow, and that is allways usefull.
Many thanks to author therefore :-)
i
i must say i get amazing results. thank you
thanks.it helps me alot
really practical tutorial for editing portraits, thanks! will give this a try.
Amazing works for Photographer
I like Effect of you Photography
Fun Fact: Unsharp Mask works on the same principle as using High Pass to sharpen. A High Pass set to Linear Light is literally identical to Unsharp Mask of the same radius with Amount set to 200% and Threshold at 0. I use whichever makes more sense for the end goal, which very often ends up being Unsharp Mask due to the easily accessible Threshold (which does essentially what the tutorial above is doing by limiting the sharpening to edges).