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So, how many ways are there to sharpen a file in PhotoShop? A bunch! But there is
one that is a personal favorite. This is a tip that we received from one of our readers and
we explored it further and found that this method will add the least amount of Jpeg artifacting to your
files. Century Color automatically sharpens your images slightly when printing, so make
sure not to over-sharpen your files.
In
this article we will explore 3 common ways to sharpen your files and you be the
judge
which method works the best for you. Once you experiment with all 3 ways, we
think you'll agree
that the "Lab Mode" is the best.
You
should never sharpen your files until you are ready to print. If your file has
layers, make sure to
flatten all layers first. Make sure you have the top layer selected. For PC
users, hold down "Shift", "Control", "Alt", "n", and "e".
Mac users, hold down "Shift", "Command", "Option",
"n", "e".
This will create one layer that is a copy of all layers combined so you do not
lose any layers. A very handy trick!!! |
- Make sure you have that new
top layer selected.
- Select Filter, Sharpen, Unsharp Mask
- Change Amount to 500, Radius to .5 and Threshold to 0.
- Slide the Amount down until you reach desired results. Click Ok.
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Original |
Unsharp Mask |
Original close up of the eye 100% |
Unsharp Mask close up of the eye 100% |
- If you are not working in layers,
you need to make a copy of the
background layer by selecting Layer,
Duplicate layer. Select the top layer.
- Choose, Filter, Other,
High Pass
- Set Amount at 3.0 to start
and increase until desired sharpness. Click
Ok.
- On the Layers palette,
change the top layer
Mode
to Soft Light
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Original file |
High Pass |
Original file close up of the eye 100% |
High Pass close up of the eye 100% |
- Choose Image, Mode, Lab Color
- In the Channel palette, select the
Lightness
Channel
- Select Filter, Sharpen, Unsharp Mask
- Change Amount to 500, Radius to
.5 and
Threshold to 0.
- Slide the Amount down until you
reach desired results. Click Ok.
- Select Image, Mode, RGB
* Since we are only sharpening on the Lightness Channel, this will sharpen edges
without creating colored pixels giving you a very clean look without
making your image too contrasty.
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Original file |
Lab Mode Method |
Original file close up of the eye 100%
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Lab Mode close up of the eye 100%
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Unsharp Mask close up
of the eye 100% |
High Pass close up
of the eye 100% |
Lab Mode close up
of the eye 100% |
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