{Tutorial} Sharpening Images in Photoshop Elements Using High Pass Filter
Today, I thought that it would be good to talk about a technique that I often use in Photoshop Elements to sharpen images, and that is with the use of High Pass filter. I find this technique to be pretty easy to do, and often provide a really good result. Look closely at the two images below, you will notice that the second image is slightly sharper than the first. The edges are crisper and the details are more visible. You may need to click on the photos for a better view. Keep reading for the short tutorial.
Step 1. Duplicate the background layer. Point your mouse to the background layer, right-click, and choose Duplicate Layer. You should see the background copy as your first layer. Rename the layer as High Pass. I like renaming my layers as it makes it easier to identify them when working on several layers, but I will leave that up to you.
Step 2. Go to Filter, Other, pick High Pass and adjust the radius to which the sharpening will be applied. I typically use between 2-6 pixels. The higher the pixel, the stronger the effect, so it is best not to go overboard. I’m using 3 pixels for this tutorial.
You should now see the layer turn into grey, with a prominent outline of your image.
Step 3. Change the blending mode of your High Pass layer. On your layers palette, make sure that you have the top layer selected. Change your blending mode to Hard Light and keep the opacity to 100%. If you think that the effect is too strong, change the blending mode to either Overlay or Soft light, or you may decrease the opacity to soften the effect. Play around with the different blending modes and opacity until you get the desired effect.
Step 4. Flatten the image. Once you’re satisfied with the sharpness of your image, you may now flatten the layers.
Go ahead, give it a try 
Mar 19, 2013 @ 21:33:15
Thank you for the tips!
I will try it.
Mar 19, 2013 @ 22:15:24
You’re very welcome. I hope you’ll find it useful
Mar 19, 2013 @ 00:24:12
Thank you for the well explained sequence, I use PS elements but hadn’t found this way to sharpen I use the unsharp mask, will try the high pass filter next time
Mar 19, 2013 @ 09:34:28
You are very welcome. I hope you’ll find it helpful
Mar 19, 2013 @ 19:49:26
I have used it and it is very easy, does a better job than the unmask tool, thanks for tip
Mar 18, 2013 @ 18:31:53
This is the technique I most often use to sharpen a photo also! It works quite well.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 21:31:38
Thank you for describing how this is done, and the limits on the 3-6 pixels. I’ve used it a few times, but have LR4 where I tend to do most sharpening, however, it is always good to know both techniques. Thank you Gracie!
Mar 17, 2013 @ 22:33:00
I’m glad you liked the tutorial, Beverly
Mar 17, 2013 @ 03:47:56
thanks for this gracie…question, what is the difference between photoshop and photoshop elements? can you do this to the regular photoshop 7.0? thanks
Mar 17, 2013 @ 10:50:35
You’re welcome, Susan. Basically, Photoshop (or Photoshop CS5/CSS6) is the full version of the photo editing program. It is geared towards more advanced users (graphic designers, professional photographers), while Photoshop Elements is the “lite” version of it. Most photo enthusiasts will find Elements (especially if coupled with Lightroom) to be more than enough for their editing needs.
I personally use Photoshop Elements 9. This tutorial was done in PSE 9, but you should be able to apply the same tutorial to Photoshop Elements 7. Hope that helps
Mar 16, 2013 @ 14:22:05
Thanks! I’ve had photoshop elements for some months now, but I haven’t had the time to learn how to use it properly yet. I want to try this out.
Mar 17, 2013 @ 10:37:31
I think you will find it helpful, Inga
Mar 14, 2013 @ 14:14:55
Thanks so much, Gracie!! I’ll try this.
Mar 14, 2013 @ 14:16:36
You’re welcome, Calee. I hope you’ll find it helpful
Mar 14, 2013 @ 12:44:57
Great info Gracie, looks terrific!
Mar 14, 2013 @ 12:47:23
Thank you, Phil
Mar 14, 2013 @ 12:23:39
Very nice tutorial!!I don’t normally use hard light but I am going to give it a try☺
Mar 14, 2013 @ 12:39:48
Thanks, Laurie! It’s always good to experiment
{Tutorial} Sharpening Images in Photoshop Elements Using High Pass Filter | Frames & Focus
Mar 14, 2013 @ 12:04:50
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