Adjust image contrast
Add punch to a flat photo or soften a harsh one by raising or lowering contrast.
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Contrast is the distance between dark and light
A photo with low contrast looks flat and hazy: blacks are gray, whites are dull, and the subject does not separate from the background. High contrast pushes dark tones darker and light tones lighter, which makes a picture look crisp and dramatic. Too much contrast turns shadows into black holes and skin into chalk.
The contrast tool opens the editor with the Contrast slider selected. Move it right for more punch, or left for a softer, gentler image.
How to change the contrast of an image
Load your image
Choose a file, drop it or paste it.
Adjust Contrast
Drag the slider and watch the darkest and lightest parts of the picture rather than the middle.
Check the details
Zoom into hair, fabric or leaves. If they lose texture in the shadows, step back a little.
Export
Save the result; your original file is not changed.
Contrast, clarity and fade
Three sliders deal with contrast in different ways, and knowing the difference saves time. Contrast and Fade are in the Adjust panel, Clarity is in the Detail panel:
Contrast
Works on the whole tonal range of the image. Strong and global; a good first step for flat photos.
Clarity
Adds contrast to local detail, mostly in the midtones. Makes stone, wood and clouds look detailed without darkening the shadows much.
Fade
Lifts the blacks so they turn soft gray, for a matte, film-like finish. It is the opposite of what contrast does to the dark end.
Portraits usually look best with moderate contrast and little clarity, because clarity also exaggerates skin texture. Landscapes and architecture can take more of both.
Fixing common contrast problems
- Haze and fog. Photos through a window or on a misty day need extra contrast and clarity; add a touch of saturation afterwards because haze also mutes color.
- Harsh midday sun. The photo already has too much contrast. Lower contrast, lift the shadows, and the picture becomes friendlier.
- Colors look too strong after adding contrast. Contrast increases perceived saturation. Lower saturation slightly on the saturation page.
- The picture is too dark overall. That is a brightness problem rather than a contrast one; start with the brightness tool.
Contrast questions
How much contrast should I add for Instagram?
Phones show pictures on bright, high-contrast screens, so a little goes a long way. Many edits look best with a small positive value. Compare with the original to make sure faces still look natural.
Can I reduce contrast to make a photo softer?
Yes. Move the slider left, or use Fade for a matte look that keeps the midtones intact.
What is the difference between contrast and sharpening?
Contrast changes the tones of the whole image. Sharpening only strengthens fine edges so the picture looks crisper. The sharpen tool covers that.
Why do my edited photos look different on another phone?
Screens differ in brightness and color. Check your edit on more than one screen when you can, and avoid extreme values.
Other adjustments
Contrast works best together with the other adjustments listed under photo editor tools.