Open your image and make a selection with a tool such as the Lasso tool, or Quick Selection tool.
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Sharpen a selection
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to sharpen only a selected part of your image in Adobe Photoshop for more precise control.
With the selection active, select and hold the Blur tool, then select the Sharpen tool.
In the options bar, adjust the following:
- Set an appropriate Size and Hardness in the Brush Setting dialog box.
- Set the Strength of the sharpening effect to control how pronounced the sharpening appears.
- Select Protect Detail to minimize pixelation and maintain image quality.
- Select Sample All Layers if you want sharpening to use data from all visible layers, and leave it unchecked to sharpen only the active layer.
Drag the Sharpen tool over the selected area.
Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (macOS) to deselect.
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