3 Ways to Invert Image Colors in Adobe Photoshop

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Use the Invert tool, an Invert layer, or a black-and-white filter

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: November 27, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Inverting an Image
|
• Adding an Invert Layer
|
• Adding a Black and White Filter
|
• Q&A

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Do you want to change an image to its opposite or negative colors in Adobe Photoshop? You can easily invert a full image or selection by using an Adjustment Layer. You can also invert the image directly, or you can create a black and white image using the same Adjustment method. This wikiHow article shows you how to invert your image colors in Photoshop using your Windows and Mac computer.

How to Quickly Invert an Image in Photoshop

Open your Project in Adobe Photoshop and select the image in the Layers panel. In the top toolbar, click Image and then Adjustments. From the dropdown menu, select Invert. Alternatively, you can simply use a keyboard shortcut, CTRL + I.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Inverting an Image

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1. 1
   Open a project in Photoshop. This can be a new or existing project.

   • Make sure to import the image you want to invert.
2. 2
   In the Layers Panel, select the image.
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3. 3
   In the top toolbar, click Image, then Adjustments. This will open a drop-down menu.
4. 4
   Click Invert. This will invert your image.

   • Alternatively, you can press CTRL + I on your keyboard.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Adding an Invert Layer

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1. 1
   Open a project in Photoshop. This can be a new or existing project.

   • If you are starting with a new project, be sure to import the images you want to invert.
   • Make sure your image layer is selected.
2. 2
   In the top toolbar, click Layer. This will open a drop-down menu.
3. 3
   Hover over New Adjustment Layer and click Invert.

   • This will create an Invert layer.
   • Alternatively, you can click the Layers Panel and choose Invert from the drop-down menu.
   • If you want to invert the colors in a specific section of the image, use the selection tools such as the Marquee Tool or Magic Wand Selection Tool to mark out the part that you wish to invert.
   • If you want to invert the colors across the entire image, you don't need an active selection.
4. 4
   Adjust your Invert levels. Go to Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Levels.

   • Move the sliders back and forth to add dimension.
   • If desired, you can add a Brightness/Contrast layer to make the image high or low contrast.
     • Click Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Brightness/Contrast. After adjusting, click OK.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding a Black and White Filter

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1. 1
   Open a project in Photoshop. This can be a new or existing project.

   • Be sure to import the image you want to make black and white. You can open or place the image.
   • Make sure your image layer is selected.
2. 2
   In the top toolbar, click Layer. This will open a drop-down menu.
3. 3
   Hover over New Adjustment Layer and click Black & White.

   • This will create a black and white filter.
   • Alternatively, you can click Window → Adjustments. The Adjustments panel will open. Click the Black & White icon resembling two grey squares.
4. 4
   Adjust the Black & White properties. Photoshop applies a default grayscale setting to your image.

   • To select a preset, click Preset and select from the drop-down menu.
   • To apply a color tone, check the Tint box. Open the Color Picker and select a color for your tint.
   • To adjust the grey tones of specific colors, drag the Color sliders to darken and lighten the tones. This is similar to adjusting hues.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  How do I invert black and white in Photoshop?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  To invert a black and white photo, open the image and then add a new “Invert” layer using the drop-down menu in the Layers panel. This will invert all the colors in your image, including blacks, whites, and greys.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  How do I make a negative image in Photoshop Elements?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  Select the image, then open the “Filter” menu. Select “Adjustments,” then “Invert.” This will invert the image from positive to negative.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  How do I reverse the brightness in Photoshop?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  To invert luminosity without affecting the colors, open the LAB channel mode and select L (the “Lightness” channel). Move the left side of the lightness graph all the way up, and the right side all the way down. This should invert your highlights and shadows.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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