*COLORIZE AI* BW to Color Conversion?!?! Photoshop CC 2021

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COLORIZE AI BW to Color Conversion?!?! Photoshop CC 2021

In this article, I will guide you through the process of converting a black and white image to a color one using Photoshop's neural filters. While Photoshop's AI-based colorization tool provides a powerful starting point, achieving a perfect result requires some manual adjustments. Follow along as we transform a black and white headshot into a colored masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Duplicate Your Background Image

First, ensure you're working on a duplicate copy of your original image. Press Command or Control + J to create this duplicate.

2. Enter Neural Filters

Navigate to Filter and select Neural Filters.

3. Download and Apply Colorize Filter

If you haven't already, download the ‘Colorize’ filter. Click on the download icon and let Photoshop do its thing.

4. Convert from Grayscale to RGB

You may encounter an error stating, “Incompatible image color mode: convert from grayscale to RGB.” Fix this by going to Image > Mode > RGB Color.

5. Apply Colorize Filter

Return to Filter > Neural Filters and turn on the Colorize toggle. Photoshop will automatically start colorizing the image.

6. Adjust Scene Settings

You can tweak the overall scene colors using the sliders for more blue, yellow, magenta, or green. Be subtle with these adjustments to avoid unnatural results.

7. Fine-Tune Saturation and Color Artifacts

Increase saturation for a more vibrant base color and use the ‘Reduce Color Artifacts’ option cautiously.

8. Review and Close Neural Filters

After making initial adjustments, click OK to export the modified image as a new layer.

9. Manually Fixing Color Gaps

Select the brush tool (B), and Alt/Option-click to select nearby colors. Paint over areas that were missed by the neural filter. Change the layer's blend mode to Color.

10. Enhance the Background

Create a new solid color overlay layer for the background. Use the RGB code 2489C3 for a blue background. Change the blend mode to Soft Light and adjust opacity.

11. Refine Teeth and Skin Tones

Add an HSL Adjustment Layer, target the red in your teeth, and adjust the saturation and lightness. To correct skin tones, follow the same method but select skin colors and adjust accordingly.

12. Adjust Garment Colors

For clothes, add another HSL Adjustment Layer, target your clothing color, and make necessary adjustments. Invert the mask (Command/Control + I) and brush in the change only where needed.

Conclusion

Neural filters in Photoshop provide a solid starting foundation for colorizing black and white images but need further refinement to achieve high-quality results. The steps above will help you turn a good start into a polished final product.

Keywords

  • Colorize AI
  • Photoshop Neural Filters
  • BW to Color Conversion
  • RGB Color Mode
  • HSL Adjustment
  • Brush Tool
  • Soft Light Blend Mode

FAQ

Q1: What do I do if I encounter "Incompatible image color mode” error?

A1: Go to Image > Mode > RGB Color to convert your image from grayscale to RGB mode.

Q2: How can I fix missing colors after applying the colorize filter?

A2: Use the brush tool to manually colorize areas that the neural filter missed. Change the brush layer's blend mode to Color.

Q3: What adjustments can I make to the scene settings?

A3: You can adjust the overall scene for more blue, yellow, magenta, or green. Be subtle to avoid unnatural colors.

Q4: Can I enhance the teeth color separately?

A4: Yes, add an HSL Adjustment Layer, target the red in the teeth, reduce saturation, and increase lightness.

Q5: How do I change the background color?

A5: Use a solid color overlay layer with your desired color, change the blend mode to Soft Light, and adjust the opacity as needed.

By following these detailed steps, you'll not only rely on Photoshop's AI but also apply your manual expertise for stellar colorizing results.