Using the Brightness/Contrast command

The Brightness/Contrast command lets you make simple adjustments to the tonal range of an image. Unlike Curves and Levels, which apply proportionate adjustments to the pixels in an image (nonlinear adjustment) based on whether you're setting the black or white points or the gamma, this command makes the same adjustment to every pixel in the image (linear adjustment). The Brightness/Contrast command is not recommended for high-end output because it can result in a loss of image detail.

To use the Brightness/Contrast command:

1. Do one of the following:
• Choose Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast.
• Choose Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Brightness/Contrast. Click OK in the New Layer dialog box.
2. Drag the sliders to adjust the brightness and contrast.

Dragging to the left decreases the level and to the right increases it. The number at the right of each slider value displays the brightness or contrast value. Values can range from -100 to +100.