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Hand Coloring

The document outlines hand coloring techniques in Adobe Photoshop, specifically how to convert RGB images to grayscale using the channel mixer adjustment layer while retaining the RGB color mode. It provides step-by-step instructions for customizing the grayscale conversion, creating new layers for coloring, and applying gradients. The techniques allow for flexibility in color application and editing, enhancing the final image quality.

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EDU SUMMIT
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37 views2 pages

Hand Coloring

The document outlines hand coloring techniques in Adobe Photoshop, specifically how to convert RGB images to grayscale using the channel mixer adjustment layer while retaining the RGB color mode. It provides step-by-step instructions for customizing the grayscale conversion, creating new layers for coloring, and applying gradients. The techniques allow for flexibility in color application and editing, enhancing the final image quality.

Uploaded by

EDU SUMMIT
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Adobe Photoshop

Hand coloring techniques in Photoshop with Julieanne Kost


Software needed Adobe Photoshop 5.0 or later

This technique demonstrates how to create the most precise custom conversion from RGB to grayscale
without ever changing color modes. By using the channel mixer adjustment layer, the image appears
grayscale but is still RGB color, thereby enabling other colors to be added with painting tools.

Open the image. Open the RGB file that you


want to convert to Grayscale. In the Chan-
nels palette, view the individual channels in
the image by clicking on the channel’s name.
(The Green channel typically holds the best
detail in the image). After viewing the chan-
nels, click the RGB composite channel and
make sure that all of the channels are visible.

Add an Adjustment Layer. Select Layer >


New Adjustment Layer > Channel Mixer and
click OK. Note: Adding the Channel Mixerad-
justment layer will change the the appearance of
the image to grayscale in the next step yet is not
harmful to the original color image.

Customizing the conversion. In the Channel


Mixer dialog box, select the channel with the
most detail in it as the Source Channel (in
this case, the Green channel). At the bottom
of the palette, check the Monochrome button
to create a grayscale image. Note: this also
changes the Output Channel to Gray). Use the
sliders to adjust the amount of each of the
channels is blended the image until you are
satisfied. Click OK.

1
Create a new layer. Select Layer > New >
Layer and name the layer color. Set the opacity
to 100% and the Mode to Multiply. Click OK.
Note: if Multiply Mode makes the color too dark,
experiment with other modes such as Soft Light
or Color.

Color the image. From the tool palette, select


the Paintbrush. Select a foreground color
by clicking on foreground color swatch. In
the Paintbrush Options palette, decrease the
opacity of the Paintbrush (if desired). Begin
painting in the image with that color. Note:
decreasing the opacity of the paintbrush allows
the color to build up slowly, often producing a
more natural look.

Changing color. Change foreground colors as


needed and continue painting, building up
color in the image as you go. Note: creating
new layers for each color provides added flex-
ibility with the ability to change the opacity as
well as blending mode while only affecting the
single color. Multiple layers also allow for easier
editing of colors such as erasing or shifting hue.

Variation: To create a gradient blend in an


image, first select the area for the gradient
to be applied to. From the tool box, select
the Gradient tool and select a foreground
and background color. From the Options bar,
select the radial option and the Foreground
to Background gradient. Drag the gradient in
the selection to create the radial blend.

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