Adjustment
Last updated on
Jun 5, 2026
Learn all about editing controls available when working with masks in Lightroom.
Use this reference when applying selective edits through masks to understand which adjustment controls are available and how they affect your selected areas. These controls appear in the Masking panel after creating any mask.
Note
All local adjustment controls work identically across mask types.
Light adjustments
Light adjustments control brightness and tonal values within the masked area.
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Function |
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Exposure |
Sets the overall brightness of the masked area. Achieves results similar to traditional dodging and burning techniques. |
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Contrast |
Adjusts contrast within the selection, mainly affecting midtones. |
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Highlights |
Recovers or enhances detail in extra-bright areas. |
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Shadows |
Recovers or deepens detail in extra dark areas. |
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Whites |
Adjusts the white point within the masked region. |
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Blacks |
Adjusts the black point within the masked region. |
Color adjustments
Color adjustments modify temperature, Tint, Saturation, and Hue in the selected area.
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Adjustment |
Function |
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Temp |
Adjusts color temperature, making the masked area warmer (orange) or cooler (blue). Useful for mixed lighting conditions. |
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Tint |
Compensates for green or magenta color casts in the mask area. |
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Saturation |
Adjusts color intensity from completely desaturated (grayscale) to highly vibrant. |
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Hue |
Shifts the color spectrum within the masked area. The Use Fine Adjustment option provides more precise control. |
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Color |
Applies a tint to the masked area. The Color swatch controls hue selection, and the effect remains visible when the photo is converted to black and white. |
Effects adjustments
Effects adjustments enhance or modify textural qualities and atmospheric elements.
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Adjustment |
Function |
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Texture |
Smoothens (negative values) or accentuates (positive values) fine-textured details without affecting color or tonality. |
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Clarity |
Adds depth by increasing local contrast in midtone areas. |
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Dehaze |
Reduces or adds atmospheric haze in the masked area |
Detail adjustments
Detail adjustments control Sharpness and Noise characteristics.
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Adjustment |
Function |
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Noise |
Reduces luminance noise, which becomes apparent when shadow areas are brightened. |
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Sharpness |
Enhances edge definition to bring out details. Negative values blur details. |
Optics adjustments
Optics adjustments correct lens-related artifacts in the masked area.
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Adjustment |
Function |
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Moiré |
Removes Moiré artifacts or color aliasing patterns. |
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Defringe |
Removes color fringing along high-contrast edges. |
