Select the layer you want to sharpen in the Layers panel.
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Sharpen controls with smart sharpen
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn how to adjust the sharpness of an image or pixel-based layer using the Smart Sharpen filter in Adobe Photoshop.
Before you begin
- Convert your layer to a Smart Object so you can edit or remove sharpening later. To do this, right-click the layer in the Layers panel and select Convert to Smart Object.
- Zoom in to 100% to accurately see the sharpening effect.
Select Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen to open the dialog box.
Adjust the sharpening controls:
- Amount: Increase or decrease the overall strength of the sharpening. Higher values add more contrast along edges.
- Radius: Set the number of pixels around each edge that are affected. A small value sharpens fine details, and a larger value sharpens broader areas.
- Reduce Noise: Minimize grain or artifacts while sharpening.
Select a blur type under Remove:
- Gaussian Blur: Standard sharpening, like Unsharp Mask.
- Lens Blur: Detects edges and details for finer sharpening with fewer halos.
- Motion Blur: Reduces blur from camera shake or subject movement.
Select OK.
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