Choosing the “Right” Blending Mode for High Pass Sharpening

When using the High Pass filter for sharpening, you apply it to a duplicate layer and then change that layer’s blending mode.

Key Differences: Unsharp Mask vs. High Pass Filtering

The Unsharp Mask is one of the oldest and most commonly used sharpening filters. Its name is a bit of a misnomer, as it doesn’t make things “unsharp”; rather, it’s derived from a traditional darkroom technique.

Key Features and Benefits of Proper Sharpening Timing

Sharpening is a crucial step in photo editing that enhances the perceived sharpness and detail in your images. However, applying it at the wrong stage can lead to undesirable artifacts, noise, or a less natural look. Knowing when to sharpen is just as important as knowing how to sharpen.