PSD Graphics Editor
How to Use Adjustment Layers in PSD Using Aspose.PSD for .NET

How to Use Adjustment Layers in PSD Using Aspose.PSD for .NET

Adjustment layers enable creative and non-destructive edits to colors and tones in PSDs. Aspose.PSD for .NET lets you script and automate Curves, Levels, and Color Balance just like in Photoshop.

Real-World Problem

Designers often need to fine-tune color or brightness in batches of PSDs for branding, corrections, or seasonal campaigns. Doing this by hand is slow and inconsistent.

Solution Overview

Programmatically add or update Curves, Levels, or Color Balance adjustment layers with precise settings in a few lines of code.

Prerequisites

  1. Visual Studio 2019 or later
  2. .NET 6.0 or later (or .NET Framework 4.6.2+)
  3. Aspose.PSD for .NET from NuGet
  4. PSD file to process
PM> Install-Package Aspose.PSD

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Load the PSD File 

using Aspose.PSD;
using Aspose.PSD.FileFormats.Psd;

string inputFile = "./input/sample_with_adjustment.psd";
string outputFile = "./output/sample_adjusted.psd";

var loadOptions = new PsdLoadOptions() { LoadEffectsResource = true };
PsdImage psdImage = (PsdImage)Image.Load(inputFile, loadOptions);

Step 2: Add or Locate an Adjustment Layer 

// Add a Curves Adjustment Layer
auto curvesLayer = psdImage.AddCurvesAdjustmentLayer();

// Or, add a Color Balance Adjustment Layer
auto colorBalanceLayer = psdImage.AddColorBalanceAdjustmentLayer();

Step 3: Edit Curves Adjustment 

var curveManager = curvesLayer.GetCurvesManager();
curveManager.AddCurvePoint(0, 50, 32); // Example: adds a point at channel 0

Step 4: Edit Color Balance Adjustment 

colorBalanceLayer.ShadowsYellowBlueBalance = 42;
colorBalanceLayer.MidtonesMagentaGreenBalance = 18;

Step 5: Save the Adjusted PSD 

psdImage.Save(outputFile);
psdImage.Dispose();

Use Cases and Applications

  • Brand-compliant color grading on batches of assets
  • Quick seasonal tone shifts for campaigns
  • Automated correction of scanned or legacy graphics

Common Challenges and Solutions

No visible effect: Confirm layer order and settings; adjustment layers must be above layers to affect them.

Wrong adjustment type: Use the correct method for the desired adjustment (Curves, Color Balance, etc.)

Best Practices

  • Keep originals for easy rollback
  • Validate color and tone in Photoshop after automation
  • Document adjustment logic for traceability

FAQ

Q: Can I automate other adjustment types? A: Yes—Brightness/Contrast, Exposure, Levels, etc. are also supported by similar API methods.

Q: Can I edit an existing adjustment layer? A: Yes—locate it by type and modify its properties.

Conclusion

With Aspose.PSD for .NET, professional color and tone adjustment is just a script away. See Aspose.PSD for .NET API Reference for full options.

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