Invert Colors in Photoshop (Shortcut, Adjustment Layer, Clipping Mask)
Sometimes you want a quick, reversible color inversion, and other times you need full control over where the effect applies. This guide shows both: the instant Ctrl/Command+I shortcut and the more flexible Invert adjustment layer. You’ll also learn how to clip the effect to just one layer.
Step-by-step instructions
Quickly invert a layer with a shortcut
Select the layer you want to invert.
Press Ctrl+I (Windows) or Command+I (Mac) to invert colors.
Press the same keys again to toggle back if needed.
Use an Invert Adjustment Layer (non-destructive)
Go to Layer → New Adjustment Layer → Invert, then click OK.
Anything beneath the Invert layer in the Layers panel will be inverted.
Lower the Invert layer’s Opacity to reduce the effect.
Drag the Invert layer up or down to control which layers are affected.
Limit the inversion to a single layer (Clipping Mask)
Place the Invert adjustment directly above the target layer.
Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) and click between the two layers to create a clipping mask.
Toggle the eye icon on the Invert layer to enable/disable the effect.
