Make localised adjustments

Use Quickmask to apply fast and precise local adjustments in Photoshop

- James Abott

Quickmask is one of Photoshop's more underused tools; allowing you to make precise selections through painting with the Brush Tool. So, whether you're cutting out an element of an image or applying local adjustments, Quickmask can be the best tool available for the job. We're going to use it here to apply precise dodging and burning style adjustments as quickly and easily as possible.

What you'll be using

• Palette Color 
• Quickmask 
• Brush Tool 
• Curves 
• Levels

1 Process the image Make any minor adjustments, such as global adjustments using Adjustment Layers, as well as any cloning work. The aim is to get the image as a whole looking just right before moving on to making more precise localised adjustments. Save your image as a TIFF to maintain Layers.