Photoshop

Apply the Brightness/Contrast command

The Brightness/Contrast command lets you make simple adjustments to the tonal range of an image. Moving the brightness slider to the right increases tonal values and expands image highlights, to the left decreases values and expands shadows. The contrast slider expands or shrinks the overall range of tonal values in the image.

In normal mode, Brightness/Contrast applies proportionate (nonlinear) adjustments to image pixels, as with Levels and Curves adjustments. When Use Legacy is selected, Brightness/Contrast simply shifts all pixel values higher or lower when adjusting brightness. Since this can cause clipping or loss of image detail in highlight or shadow areas, using the Brightness/Contrast command in Legacy mode is not recommended for high‑end output.

Note: Use Legacy is automatically selected when editing Brightness/Contrast adjustment layers created with previous versions of Photoshop.
  1. Do one of the following:

    • Choose Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.

    • Choose Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast. Click OK in the New Layer dialog box.

  2. Drag the sliders to adjust the brightness and contrast.

    Dragging to the left decreases the level, and dragging to the right increases it. The number at the right of each slider reflects the brightness or contrast value. Values can range from ‑150 to +150 for Brightness, ‑50 to +100 for Contrast.