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Get started
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Learn the basics
- Adobe Photoshop on desktop FAQ
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Set up toolbars and panels
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- Create, open, and import images
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Create and manage layers
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Color adjustment and fill layers
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Apply layer effects
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- Layer style effects and options overview
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- Set a global lighting angle for all layers
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- Work with layer styles
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Smart objects
- Smart Objects - overview and benefits
- Create embedded Smart Objects
- Create linked Smart Objects
- Update Linked Smart Objects
- View Linked Smart Object properties
- Embed Linked Smart Objects
- Package and locate linked Smart Objects
- Convert embedded Smart Objects to linked
- Filter the Layers panel by Smart Objects
- Duplicate an embedded Smart Object
- Edit the contents of a Smart Object
- Replace the contents of a Smart Object
- Convert Smart Objects to layers
- Rasterize Smart Objects
- Export the contents of an embedded Smart Object
- Reset Smart Object transforms
- Create layer compositions
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Crop, resize, and transform
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Resize and adjust resolution
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- Resample option in the Image Size dialog
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- Resize images
- Resampling options in Photoshop
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- Resizing parameters in Photoshop
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Resize and adjust resolution
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Make selections
- Get started with selections
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Automatic and color-based selections
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- Make precise selections using Select People
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Refine and modify selections
- Move a selection or selection border
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Repair and retouch
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Remove objects and fill space
- Remove background in your images
- Replace background with Generate Background
- Retouch tools overview
- Blend objects and people into any background with Harmonize
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Clean and restore images
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- Keyboard shortcuts to adjust perspective
- Get started with Photomerge
- Create panoramic images with Photomerge
- Create 360-degree panoramas
- Remove imperfections with the Spot Healing Brush
- Retouch a large area with the Healing Brush tool
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- Remove red eye in flash photos
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- Auto Erase with the Pencil tool
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- Remove similar pixels with the Magic Eraser tool
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Remove objects and fill space
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Adjust color
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Apply painting techniques
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Brushes and presets
- Get started with brush presets
- Display the Brush Settings panel and brush options
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Draw shapes and paths
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Text and typography
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Effects and filters
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Artistic and stylize filters
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- Overview of Liquify filter
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Use grids and measurement guides
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Add video and animation
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Create animation frames
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Create animation frames
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Automate tasks
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Save and export
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Export files to different formats
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- Photoshop file formats overview
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Share and collaborate
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App integrations
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Troubleshoot
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Sharpening overview
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn about enhancing edge definition and improving clarity in photos and artwork with Adobe Photoshop tools.
What sharpening does
Sharpening in Photoshop makes details appear clearer by increasing contrast where different tones meet. It can correct slight softness caused by a camera, a scanner, or resizing, giving photos and artwork a more defined look.
Best practices for effective sharpening
To get the most out of sharpening, keep a few guidelines in mind:
- Sharpening cannot restore missing detail or fix areas that are out of focus, so focus only on areas that should be sharp.
- Apply sharpening gradually to avoid halos, jagged edges, or noise.
Sharpening methods
Once you’re ready to apply sharpening, Photoshop offers several options. Each one provides a slightly different approach, so you can pick the method that best suits your image and workflow:
- Sharpen applies basic sharpening to the entire image.
- Sharpen Edges targets only the edges while leaving flat areas mostly unchanged.
- Sharpen More applies stronger overall sharpening than the basic option.
- Smart Sharpen provides precise control and reduces noise.
- Unsharp Mask offers a fast, traditional sharpening method.
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