Applying Filters and Effects > Using filters > Previewing and applying filters
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Previewing and applying filters


Applying filters--especially to large images--can be time-consuming. You can view an example of the effect in the Filters palette. Some filters also let you preview the effect before you apply it to your image.

To save time when trying various filters, experiment on a small, representative part of your image.

To preview and apply a filter:

1 To apply a filter to an area of a layer, select that area. To apply a filter to the entire layer, leave the layer unselected.

2 Do one of the following:
  • In the Filters palette, select the filter you want to apply. If the filter provides optional settings, select Filter Options to view the options, or deselect Filter Options to apply the default filter settings. (Filter Options are not available for all filters.) Then, double-click the filter, select the filter and click Apply, or drag a filter into the image.
  • Choose a filter from the submenus in the Filter menu. If a filter name is followed by ellipses (...), a dialog box appears.

    • 3 If a dialog box appears, enter values or select options.

    To display the dialog box for the last filter you applied, press Ctrl+Alt+F (Windows) or Command+Option+F (Mac OS).

    4 If the dialog box contains a preview window, use the following navigation methods to preview the effect:
  • Click in the image window to center a specific area of the image in the preview window.

    • Note: This does not work with all preview windows.
  • Drag in the preview window to center a specific area of the image in the window.
  • Use the + or - button under the preview window to zoom in or zoom out on the preview.

    • A flashing line beneath the preview size indicates that the preview is still being rendered.

    5 If available, select the Preview option to preview the filter effect on the entire image.

    6 Click OK to apply the filter.

    A progress indicator in the status bar (Windows) or progress bar (Mac OS) lets you gauge the time remaining until the filter is applied.

    Applying Filters and Effects > Using filters > Previewing and applying filters