TIPS & TRICKS - HOW TO DARKEN A COMPOSITE



There are several ways to darken/lighten your composite. Printing your composite in dark mode, photocopying it in dark mode, manipulating your composite using graphics software are common options. This tutorial will show you how to darken a composite using Adobe Photoshop 6.0 or greater. If you don't have Adobe Photoshop, ask your IT manager to find you a program that has contrast change capabilities. Microsoft Word has limited editing capabilities that may fit your needs.

1. To start, open your JPEG composite using Adobe Photoshop.

2. Now find the Curves option located under the Image -> Adjustments -> Curves menu.

3. The Curves option can be intimidating at first but all you need to know is how to click and drag the dot located right in the middle of the grid. Moving this bar diagonally down (see picture 2) will darken the composite. Moving this bar diagonally up will lighten the composite. Try it!

4. Notice that as you move the bar up and down, you will be able to preview the composite in real-time. Once you are satisfied with the tone of the composite, click okay to continue.

5. This is a very simple tutorial prepared for those who have little knowledge of graphic design programs. Professional designers can help you achieve much better results than what I have shown you today.

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