Photoshop Mechanics

Photoshop uses the RGB values of 30, 59 and 11, to simulate a more accurate representation of grayscale. These are the magic numbers behind the Color and Luminosity modes. This episode introduces some important concepts about RGB to Grayscale conversion. I plan to follow soon with an episode that covers multiple techniques for converting files to Grayscale.

Generate noise without increasing file size. Layer effects and adjustment layers can be tricked out to add random noise on the fly. Ever use the Inner Glow Jitter Slider? Have you ever used Dissolve mode? Here you will find a practical application for them.

This episode shows multiple techniques for Grayscale conversion. A set of Actions is included to help automate the procedures. These techniques are based on concepts learned in episode 001.

Use an action to create an adjustment layer that can sharpen or blur an image. Additional filters can be used on the adjustment layer mask to refine the sharpening effect.

I’ve been getting more and more requests from coworkers and clients to set up files with editable Smart Objects. They want easy to understand files that they can drop new content into and have it automatically update into distorted shapes.