Skip to Content

How do you make a non-destructive hue adjustment?

By: Author Color With Leo

Adjusting the hue of an image is a common photo editing task that allows you to shift the colors in an image to create different color casts or effects. There are a few key things to keep in mind when adjusting hue in a non-destructive way so you can maintain edit flexibility:

Use Adjustment Layers

The best way to make non-destructive hue adjustments is by using adjustment layers in Photoshop or Lightroom. Adjustment layers apply edits on a separate layer rather than modifying the original image pixels. This means you can go back and tweak the adjustments or delete the layer at any time without permanently changing the photo.

Here are the steps to add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer in Photoshop:

  1. Open the image you want to adjust in Photoshop
  2. Click on the Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel and choose “Hue/Saturation”
  3. A new Hue/Saturation layer will be added above your image
  4. Adjust the Hue slider to shift all the colors in the image
  5. Use the color drop down menus to target adjustments to specific color ranges
  6. Lower the layer’s opacity to fine-tune the effect

The same concept applies in Lightroom with the HSL panel. Instead of adjustment layers, Lightroom uses non-destructive parametric edits that are stored separately from the original image data.

Use Smart Objects in Photoshop

Another technique is to convert your image layer to a Smart Object before making adjustments. Smart Objects embed the original image data so filters and adjustments are non-destructive. Here’s how:

  1. Select the image layer and go to Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object
  2. Apply hue adjustments to the Smart Object layer
  3. To edit, double click the Smart Object thumbnail to open the original image
  4. Changes will be updated non-destructively when you save and close the Smart Object

Adjust Individual Color Channels

You can shift specific color channels in an image rather than adjusting the master hue slider. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the Channels panel in Photoshop
  2. Ctrl/Cmd click to load the Red, Green or Blue channel as a selection
  3. Go back to the Layers panel and add a Hue/Saturation layer
  4. Choose the color channel you loaded as a selection from the Edit menu
  5. Adjust the hue just for that channel

This isolates adjustments to a single color range for more targeted results.

Use Non-Destructive Filters in Photoshop

Filters like Color Balance and Selective Color can shift hues in an image. Use them as Smart Filters to maintain edit flexibility:

  1. Convert the layer to a Smart Object
  2. Go to Filter > Smart Filters and choose a filter
  3. Adjust filter settings to manipulate hues
  4. Filter will be applied non-destructively as a Smart Filter
  5. Double click filter to re-edit settings

Adjust Individual Colors

For precise hue adjustments, you can select specific colors in an image and shift them. Here are some ways to do this:

  • Use the Color Range tool to select a color, then adjust its hue
  • Add a Black & White layer to isolate colors, then hue shift each layer
  • Use Blend Modes like Color or Hue to target color ranges
  • Add a Gradient Map layer to map colors to a new hue range

Combining these techniques allows you to shift specific parts of the color spectrum separately for very fine hue control.

Use Low Saturation When Adjusting Hue

Shifting hue works best when saturation is low. Highly saturated colors can shift in unpredictable ways. Try this:

  1. Add a Hue/Saturation layer and desaturate the image
  2. Adjust hue to the desired color cast
  3. Bring back saturation subtly until you achieve the look you want

Lowering saturation first prevents harsh color shifts and keeps the image looking natural.

Mask Hue Adjustments

For targeted hue changes, use layer masks to isolate adjustments:

  1. Add hue/saturation layer and make adjustments
  2. Click layer mask icon to add mask
  3. Paint black on mask to hide adjustments
  4. Paint white to reveal adjustments

Masking lets you selectively apply hue changes only where you need them.

Use Blend Modes on Hue Layers

Blend modes are useful for fine tuning hue adjustment effects. Try these:

  • Color: Blends hue/saturation changes while preserving luminosity
  • Hue: Applies hue adjustments while retaining original saturation and luminosity
  • Luminosity: Blends luma changes only, preserving original hue and saturation

Lower the Opacity of hue layers and experiment with different blend modes for customizable effects.

Make Global Adjustments First

For a good workflow, start with global hue adjustments to establish the overall color tone:

  1. Add Hue/Saturation layer and shift master hue slider
  2. Use individual color sliders for broad adjustments
  3. Add a Photo Filter layer for warming/cooling effect

Then use local adjustments like masked layers or blend modes to target specific color ranges.

Correct Unwanted Color Casts

The opposite scenario is removing an unwanted color cast like:

  • Excessive warm or cool tone
  • Color fringe along high contrast edges
  • Color noise in dark shadow areas

Use targeted hue adjustments to neutralize these issues before creative color grading.

Watch for Skin Tone Shifts

Monitor skin tones when adjusting hue. Orange and red hues can negatively shift skin colors. Try keeping masks around key faces to limit changes.

Conclusion

Adjusting hue in a non-destructive manner takes advantage of the flexibility of layers and masks in Photoshop and Lightroom. Maintaining edit access means you can continually refine the image. Use Smart Objects, adjustment layers, blend modes, and masks to shift colors to just the right tones.

With careful hue adjustments, you can create vibrant imagery without permanently altering the original photo. Non-destructive editing gives you freedom to experiment and find the perfect look.