Replace a Color in Photoshop (Hue/Saturation + Mask)
Want to see your subject in a different color without affecting the rest of the image? This workflow uses a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer to target and shift a single color. Then you’ll use the built-in layer mask to reveal the change only where you want it.
Step-by-step instructions
Add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer
Open the Adjustments panel and click the Hue/Saturation icon.
In the Layers panel, ensure the new Hue/Saturation layer is selected.
Open the Properties panel to access the controls.
Target the exact color to replace
In the Properties panel, click the dropdown (default: Master) and choose the closest color, or click the on-image adjustment (target) icon to sample.
Click directly on the color in the image you want to replace; the dropdown switches to a sampled range.
With the target tool active, drag right to increase saturation or left to decrease; click the icon again to deactivate.
Shift hue and refine saturation
Move the Hue slider to change the selected color to your desired hue.
Adjust Saturation to taste so the new color isn’t dull or oversaturated.
Limit the effect with the layer mask
In the Layers panel, click the adjustment’s mask thumbnail to select it.
In Properties, click Invert to turn the mask black (hide the effect everywhere).
Press D to reset colors to default, then press X until white is the foreground color.
Select the Brush Tool (B); set Hardness 100%, Opacity 100%, Flow 100%.
Paint with white over the subject to reveal the color change; use [ and ] to adjust brush size, press X to switch to black to correct any overpaint.
