How to Use the Burn Tool in Adobe Photoshop to Darken Tones

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Would darkening the tones in one small area improve your photo? Luckily, Adobe Photoshop has a simple tool to help you correct this issue: the burn tool!

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Adobe Photoshop
Open Photoshop Document
Computer

Step1

Click on the burn tool in the vertical toolbar on the left hand side of your workspace. The burn tool looks like a little hand, where the thumb an index finger are making a circle. The burn tool shares space with the dodge and sponge tools.

Step2

Look at the top of your control bar. You have several choices to make. First, you can adjust the "brush" of the burn tool, in terms of brush profile and size. You can do this by clicking on the button that shows your brush and the brush size.

Step3

Select whether you want to darken the shadows, highlights of midtones of your image.

Step4

Decide how much exposure you want to adjust. Start out conservatively. It's easier to add more than take away adjustments. Remember that your image onscreen is brighter than it will print out, so you might want to print out a proof before you finish.

Step5

Check your image to see the changes take effect. Remember to maintain a consistent light source in your image. Your shading should be on the opposite side of a visible light source.