Create a Black & White image

Mostly black and white with a hint of color revealed is one of the most popular effects. It gives your images a dramatic tone. And, it’s incredibly easy to accomplish.

Layers, Layer Mask, and the Brush Tool are used in this tutorial.

Step 1

Open the image to which you would like to add the black and white effect.

Step 2

Duplicate the Background Layer by choosing Edit > Duplicate. In the Layers palette, double-click the layer name to rename it “Black and White.”

Step 3

Apply the black and white effect: With the Black and White layer selected, apply the Desaturate effect from the Effects Browser.

Step 4

Add a Layer Mask by choosing Layer > Add Layer Mask from the main Menu.

Step 5

It’s time for the fun part—revealing some color!

Select a brush color and preset:

1. Click the color box in the Tool Options bar. The Colors palette appears.
2. In the Colors palette, pick the color black.
3. Click the Show Brushes button in the Tool Options bar to bring up the Brushes palette.
4. Double-click the Brush preset to make the Brush Settings visible.
5. In the Brush Settings, drag the slider for Diameter roughly to 8 points and the Hardness slider to around 65%.

Viewing the image at the pixel level will help you to maintain precision as you paint. Choose View > Zoom In to zoom in until you see the relevant details. Then, start painting with the Brush Tool and see how the color image reveals itself.

Tip: Hold down the Spacebar key to temporarily switch to the Hand Tool, so you can click and drag the image to another area.

Paint to reveal the entire object, and you are done!