Adjustment Brush Tool

Apply non-destructive adjustments to specific parts of an image in a single step with the Adjustment Brush Tool, now available in Photoshop on desktop.

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Try it in the app
Follow along with a sample file to learn how to use the Adjustment Brush in a few simple steps.

The Adjustment Brush Tool   is an easy and intuitive way of directly painting adjustments onto your image. This feature combines the traditional workflow of selecting, masking, and applying an adjustment into one step, simplifying the way of making local adjustments.​

Use the Adjustment Brush Tool to make specific adjustments, like brightening your subject's face or darkening the sky.

All the adjustments you make with the Adjustment Brush Tool are non-destructive, as they generate a new adjustment layer with a layer mask when applied.

Adjustments are applied with default values that will be visible on most images. Once applied, you can edit the adjustment values in the Properties panel.

When using the Adjustment Brush Tool, the improved Contextual Task Bar helps you choose the desired adjustment, set the brush settings, and refine the adjustment output.

When using the Adjustment Brush Tool  in Photoshop, use the two new Contextual Task Bars.

When using the Adjustment Brush Tool  in Photoshop, use the two new Contextual Task Bars.
Use the two new Contextual Task Bars to choose the desired adjustment, set the brush settings, and refine the adjustment output.

How to use Adjustment Brush Tool

  1. Choose your desired adjustment type and set the brush size and hardness from either the Contextual Task Bar or the options bar.

    Choose Adjustment Brush from the Brush tools panel in the Photoshop app

  2. Select the Apply to object button to apply your adjustment to a specific object in your image in one go.

    Use the Contextual Task Bar to add/subtract from your adjustment, view on overlay, invert your selection, or add a new adjustment.

  3. Add/subtract from your adjustment, view on overlay, invert your selection, replace your existing adjustment type with a different adjustment, or add a new adjustment with the next Contextual Task Bar that appears.

  4. Since adjustments are applied with default values, you can refine the value further in the Properties panel.

  5. Select the Add new adjustment button to add a new adjustment type to your image by creating a new adjustment layer with layer mask. You can also use the dropdown menu in the Contextual Task Bar to replace your existing adjustment with a different one.

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