Use paintbrushes to modify, correct, or distort an object

You can use paintbrushes to modify, correct, or distort a picture in the following ways:

Erase parts of a picture You can remove parts of a picture so that any objects underneath will show through. Erase an area in an object by using a paintbrush

Example of an object before selective erasing Example of an object after selective erasing

Clone an area in a picture to paint over another area For example, you can clone a patch of grass and use it to paint over a rock in the same or another picture. Clone an area in a picture

Example of a picture before cloning Example of a picture after cloning

Blend edges You can soften the outlines of an object so that it blends smoothly into the rest of a picture. Smudge an area in a picture

Example of an object with a smudged edge

Colorize an object For example, you can paint a few petals of a yellow flower red. Selectively change the color in a picture

Example of an object before selective colorizing Example of an object after selective colorizing

Adjust the color tint If you shoot a portrait indoors without a flash, the image of your subject's face might contain a green or reddish tint. You can correct this problem by using the Tint tool. Selectively correct the tint in a picture

Example of an object before selective tint correction Example of an object after selective tint correction

Adjust the color tint with more precision Use color balancing and a paintbrush to add or remove any color from an object. For example, remove or add a tint that's a mix of red, blue, and yellow. Selectively correct the color balance in a picture

Example of an object before selective color balancing Example of an object after selective color balancing

Reduce or increase brightness and contrast levels For example, you can lighten and add contrast to an area of a picture that is grayish and dark. Selectively modify the brightness or contrast

Example of an object before selective brightness correction Example of an object after selective brightness correction

Modify hue, saturation, and brightness Change all colors in an area of a picture to different colors. Selectively modify the hue and saturation in a picture

Example of an object before selective change of hue and saturation Example of an object after selective change of hue and saturation

Use paintbrushes to apply special effects Modify the shape and perspective of areas of a picture. Bulge an area in a picture Shrink an area in a picture Smear an area in a picture

Example of an object before selective change Example of an object after selective bulging Example of object after selective shrinking