Filters  are a set of pre-set special effects that you apply to entire images, individual Layers , or selections.  Images must be in RGB mode to access Photoshop ’s full range of Filters.

Applying Filters
To apply a Filter, isolate the area of the image you wish to apply it too.  For instance, if you want to apply a Filter, such as Blur , to an entire Layer  you would select the Layer in the Layers  Palette .  If you wanted to apply the Blur Filter to a part of the image data on a Layer, you would make a selection on that Layer and apply the Filter.

Open the flowers image from the chapter006 folder.  Select Filter/Artistic/Underpainting.  The Filter dialog box appears with the title of the currently selected Filter.  A set of Options  accompanies most Filters  (not all Filters have Options).  Options change depending on the nature of the Filter.

In this case, we have Brush Size , Texture  Coverage, Texture, Scaling, Relief, Light Direction, and Invert .  Filters  usually have a preview window in the dialog box so you can see the effects of the Filter on your image and the effects that changing the Options  cause in real-time.  {Click} OK.  Photoshop  applies the Filter to your image and the History Palette  creates a state.  You’ve effectively changed a photograph into a very stylized painting.

Fine-Tuning Filters with Fade
Once you’ve applied a Filter you can fine-tune it by selecting Edit/Fade Filter Name, where Filter Name is the name of the last Filter you applied.  In this case we select Fade Underpainting.

Fade dialog box

Fade controls include Opacity , Mode  (Blend Mode ), and Preview.  Input an Opacity value or use the slider to reduce the strength of the Filter’s effect on your image.  Experiment with different Blend Modes  to affect the manner in which the Filter is applied to the image.  Check Preview to display your changes in real-time.  {Click} OK to make the changes.

By experimenting with other Filters  you can learn about effects you like and various options that many Filters have.  As we progress through creating buttons, navigation bars, and GIF animations, we’ll put some Filters to use.  Recall that Layers  have Layer  Styles , essentially specialized Filters linked to Layers.  We’ll be using these effects as well.  Some of the Layer Styles  can be applied to editable Type Layers, but to apply Filters to Type Layers you’ll have to {Right-Click} the “T” icon in the Type Layer and select Rasterize Layer.  You won’t be able to edit your type after rendering it.