Selectively applying a filter

[mgshn]

I know that you can add and remove where adjustment layers take effect by painting in that layer using black and white. Is there any way to get the same flexibility with filters?

I know that filters will apply to selected portions of an image. However the mechanism for applying adjustments is so much more flexible...

Thanks in advance,

Bob

[Daviskw]

Hi Bob

Here are two ways to selectively apply a filter.

Option # 1

Duplicate a layer you want to apply the filter too.

Apply Filter as needed

Hold the Ctrl key then press the Create new layer icon on the layer pallet option bar… just below the Normal button.
This inserts a blank layer BELOW your filtered layer.

Click back on your filtered layer then press Layer>Group with Previous

Click on your BLANK layer… make sure your foreground color is black… pick a brush and as you paint on your drawing the filter will be applied. If you want to remove the filter pick the eraser and erase it away.

If you want you can also fill the blank layer with black then erase to remove the filter.

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/5148/adjust24yr.th.jpg (http://img518.imageshack.us/my.php?image=adjust24yr.jpg)

Option # 2

Duplicate a layer to apply filter too

Apply filter as needed

Click below your filtered layer and open an adjustment layer such as levels. Click OK do not make adjustments.

Hold the Alt key and click between the layers to group. You will see a link icon.

Now click on the layer mask then pick a black paintbrush to apply or a white to remove.

If you want invert the mask which fills with black then you can remove with white.

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/5911/adjust10xl.th.jpg (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=adjust10xl.jpg)

Butch

[mgshn]

I knew that.... :)

Thanks!

[GaryK]

Hi Bob

One other way is to download Grants tools and just use his layer mask on the "filtered" layer.

I love layer masks. :D :D

[Norm F]

Bob,

There are some great suggestions here which should be easy to follow. If you're a subscriber, you might watch the new video in the subscriber's area called "selective blur" to clarify.