Select the Dodge tool or Burn tool from the toolbar.
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Dodge or burn image areas
Last updated on
Oct 28, 2025
Explore how to use the Dodge and Burn tools to selectively adjust exposure in specific image areas without affecting the entire image in Adobe Photoshop.
Select a Brush Preset in the Options bar and adjust Size, Hardness, and other brush settings.
Select the area you want to change in the Range menu:
- Midtones – affects mid-range grays.
- Shadows – affect darker areas.
- Highlights – affects lighter areas.
In the Exposure field, enter a percentage to control how strongly the effect is applied.
Select the Airbrush in the Options bar for a gradual effect.
Select the Protect Tones checkbox to help maintain color and prevent clipping in highlights and shadows.
Paint over the image area to apply the Dodge or Burn effect.
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