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Are you looking into how to match a color in Photoshop?

Mastering color balance is a pivotal aspect of becoming proficient in Photoshop, particularly when dealing with composite images or ensuring consistency across real estate photos and other visual designs. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to match a color in Photoshop using 3 different methods. We’ll also explain what color matching is and when to use it to create consistency in your images.

Let’s dive in!

What Is Color Matching?

Color matching is the process of ensuring that colors in one part of an image or between different images are consistent. 

This technique is essential for creating a cohesive look in composites, design work, and when working with property photos from different sources or lighting conditions.

When to Use Color Matching?

When to use color matching? You might need to match colors when:

  • Combining elements from multiple photos into a single composite image
  • Correcting color differences due to lighting changes
  • Creating a uniform color theme across a series of images
  • Adjusting product or property photos to reflect true-to-life colors

These are all situations where color matching will help improve the quality and consistency of your images.

Additionally, if you just want to copy a color, you can check out our tutorial on how to copy a color in Photoshop

Why Getting the Colors Right in Images Is Crucial 

Take real estate photography for example…Capturing the true character of a property hinges critically on representing its colors with precision. 

It falls upon the shoulders of the real estate photographer to shape a potential buyer’s perception with high fidelity, paving the way for genuine expectation and admiration at first sight.

A photographer’s artistry lies in both the subtle nuances and dramatic alterations they bring to light, enhancing the property’s portrayal. 

Such expertise doesn’t just present a space; it evokes an emotion, piquing the curiosity and interest of prospective buyers, and getting the colors right is a vital step.

Now that you know what color matching is and in what situations to use this method, let’s explore the steps involved in the color-matching process within Adobe Photoshop.

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How to Match a Color in Photoshop (6 Simple Steps)

In this tutorial, we’ll learn how to match a color from one image to another in Adobe Photoshop. This is useful for maintaining color consistency across different elements in your designs or photos.

You can either watch the video or continue reading the text with the screenshots below:

How to Match a Color From One Image to Another in Photoshop

Step 1. Select the Layer you want to change the color of. If it’s the Background Layer, you may need to unlock it by double-clicking on the Layer and clicking Okay.

Selecting the layer you want to change the color of

Step 2. With the Target Layer selected, navigate to Image > Adjustments > Match Color.

Navigating to Image > Adjustments > Match Color

Step 3. In the Match Color dialog box, go to the Source Dropdown menu and select the File Name of the Source Image

Selecting your source image in the Source dropdown

If the Source Image has multiple layers, you can specify which layer to use in the Layer Dropdown menu.

Step 4. You will now see a Preview of the changes in the Target Image. Next, adjust the sliders in Image Options to fine-tune the color match:

  • Luminance adjusts the brightness of the target image
  • Color Intensity controls the saturation of the color match
  • Fade blends the matched color with the original color of the target image
Adjusting sliders in Image Options

Step 5. If your Target Image has a color cast, you can check the Neutralize box to remove the color cast before matching the color.

Clicking the Neutralize box in Photoshop

Step 6. Once you’re satisfied with the color match, click OK to apply the changes.

Clicking OK to save all changes in Match Color

You have now successfully matched the color of your Target Image to your Source Image in Photoshop.

This technique ensures color consistency and can enhance the visual harmony of your designs. 

Feel free to use layer opacity and blend modes to achieve the right look, as well as revisit adjustments after taking a break to view your work with fresh eyes.

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We hope this blog post helped you learn how to match a color in Photoshop. Before you go, you may also want to check out the following resources:

Stina Pettersson

Professional Blogger

Stina is an entrepreneur, digital marketer, and professional blogger who's passionate about real estate photo editing, being outdoors with her pup, and sweaty gym sessions. She loves the written word and has been writing for publications like Forbes and Thrive Global. Originally from Sweden, she's called South Florida her home since 2013.

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