Open your image and select the layer you want to distort.
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Use Liquify to distort an image
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to apply distortions with the Liquify filter in Adobe Photoshop for creative effects or subtle retouching.
Apply distortions with the Liquify filter
Select Filter > Liquify from the menu bar to open the Liquify dialog box.
In the Brush Tool Options panel, adjust brush settings such as Size and Pressure.
Drag over the image to apply distortions:
- Use Forward Warp to push pixels in the direction you drag.
- Use Pucker to contract pixels toward the center of the brush.
- Use Bloat to expand pixels outward.
- Use Twirl to rotate pixels clockwise or counterclockwise.
Select OK to apply the changes to your image.
Tip
Convert your layer to a Smart Object to edit distortions non-destructively.
For optimal performance, turn on the graphics processor.
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