In the Channels panel, select the composite color channel to view all channels together.
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Layer masks
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Remove objects and fill space
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Mix color channels with Channel Mixer
Last updated on
Sep 30, 2026
Learn how to redistribute grayscale values between color channels to create custom color effects and corrections.
Channel Mixer adjustments give you precise control over color relationships by blending grayscale data from source channels into targeted output channels.
Use Channel Mixer for precise color corrections, adjusting individual color channels without affecting overall image brightness. Each color channel (RGB or CMYK) contains grayscale data representing tonal values for that color component. The Channel Mixer redistributes this grayscale data between channels, giving you granular control over color relationships.
For converting color images to grayscale or creating monochrome effects, use the Black & White adjustment instead.
The Channel Mixer creates a non-destructive adjustment layer that preserves your original image. You can save your settings as presets and access default presets from the Properties panel.
Access and configure Channel Mixer
Select the Channel Mixer icon in the Adjustments panel or choose Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Channel Mixer and select OK.
In the Properties panel, choose an output channel from the Output Channel menu to specify which channel you want to modify.
Drag the source channel sliders left (to decrease contribution, -200% to 0%) or right (to increase contribution, 0% to +200%) to blend grayscale data from each source channel into the output channel.
When you select an output channel, Photoshop automatically sets that channel's source slider to 100% and all other source sliders to 0%. For example, selecting Red as the output channel sets Red to 100%, Green to 0%, and Blue to 0% in an RGB image.
Adjust channel mixing values
The Total field displays the combined value of all source channel sliders. For optimal results, keep the total near 100%—values significantly above 100% may cause highlight clipping. Photoshop displays a warning icon when the total exceeds 100%.
Using negative values inverts the source channel before adding it to the output channel, creating color complement effects. This technique is useful for correcting color casts or creating creative color shifts.
Use the Constant option
The Constant slider adjusts the grayscale value of the entire output channel, affecting overall brightness:
- Negative values (-200% to 0%) add black, darkening the channel
- Positive values (0% to +200%) add white, lightening the channel
- A value of -200% makes the output channel completely black
- A value of +200% makes the output channel completely white
Use Constant to fine-tune overall channel brightness after adjusting source channel ratios.
Monitor the color adjustments
Watch the Total Value in the Properties panel as you adjust sliders. The combined percentage indicates how much grayscale data you're applying to the output channel. Values above 100% brighten the image but may lose highlight detail.
For each output channel you want to modify, choose it from the Output Channel menu and adjust its source sliders independently. Repeat this process to refine color relationships across multiple channels.
You can save Channel Mixer settings as presets for reuse on other images. Learn more about saving adjustment settings and reapplying adjustment settings.
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