Invert Targeted Colors with Hue/Saturation in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you’ll use Photoshop’s updated Hue/Saturation adjustment to invert a selected color range with one click. This lets you affect all colors except the one you originally targeted—ideal for excluding skin tones or specific hues. You’ll also learn how to fine‑tune the range with the hue range markers.
Step-by-step instructions
Add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer
Open your image in Photoshop.
Go to Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Hue/Saturation.
In Properties, select a color to target (e.g., click a Prominent Colors swatch like Green or use the targeted adjustment tool).
Set Saturation to -100% to clearly visualize the currently targeted range.
Invert the targeted color range
In the Hue/Saturation Properties panel, click the Invert Hue Range Markers icon.
Observe the numeric range values flip (e.g., 80–109 and 174–217 invert).
Confirm the adjustment now applies to all colors except the previously targeted range.
Fine-tune the hue range markers
Drag the hue range marker sliders to include or exclude colors as needed.
Remember: the area between the small triangular sliders is excluded from the adjustment.
Use the gradient bars: the top shows original colors; the bottom shows the edited result.
Refine the adjustment result
Adjust Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to taste.
Optionally change the targeted swatch and repeat the invert process for other color ranges.
Toggle the layer’s visibility to compare before/after.
