Change the Color of an Object in Photoshop (Match Any Color)
In this tutorial, you’ll apply a precise color to any object while keeping its natural highlights and shadows. You’ll sample a target color, transfer its hue and saturation using the Color blending mode, and independently adjust brightness with Levels. This HSB-aware approach avoids flat, washed-out results.
Step-by-step instructions
Select the target object
Choose the Object Selection Tool.
With the photo layer active, click-drag a rectangle over the object to auto-select it.
If extra areas are selected, enable Object Subtract in the Options bar and hold Alt/Option while dragging to deselect.
Mask a group for flexible edits
Create a new Group in the Layers panel.
With the selection active, click Add Layer Mask to apply the selection to the group.
All adjustments inside this group will affect only the masked object.
Sample and apply the new color
Create a Solid Color Fill layer inside the group.
When the Color Picker opens, click the reference color in your document (e.g., a color swatch/circle), then click OK.
This applies the target color’s hue, saturation, and brightness—but we’ll fix brightness next.
Preserve detail using the Color blending mode
Select the Solid Color Fill layer.
Change its blending mode to Color to transfer only hue and saturation while keeping the object’s original brightness and texture.
Match brightness and contrast with Levels
Create a Levels adjustment layer below the Solid Color Fill layer.
Drag the Highlights slider to brighten if needed and adjust the midpoint (gamma) to refine contrast.
Fine-tune until the object looks naturally lit, without blown highlights or crushed shadows.
Refine the mask if needed
Click the group mask thumbnail.
Paint with a soft brush (white to reveal, black to conceal) to clean edges or include/exclude areas.
Zoom in to perfect fine details for a seamless result.
