Phixit

Adjust a photo with curves

Curves are the most precise tone control there is: every point on the line maps an input brightness to an output brightness. Bend it into an S for contrast, lift the bottom for a matte look, or tint the shadows with a single channel.

Free, no sign-up. Your photo stays on your device. Try it on a sample photo

The Phixit editor with a sunset photo open, the adjustment sliders on the right and the looks film strip below

How to use curves on a photo

  1. Choose or drop a photo. The Curves panel opens.
  2. Click the line to add a point and drag it. Up brightens that range of tones, down darkens it. Double-click a point to remove it.
  3. Switch to Red, Green or Blue to shift color in particular tones, then save from Export.

Good to know

  • A gentle S curve (shadows down, highlights up) is the classic way to add contrast.
  • Raising the bottom-left point gives faded blacks, the matte film look.
  • In the Blue channel, lifting shadows and lowering highlights gives the popular teal-and-warm look.

Questions

Why do my curves never overshoot?

Phixit draws the curve with a monotone spline, so it never bends past the points you set and never creates strange tone reversals.

How many points can I add?

As many as you like, though three to five is usually plenty.

Can I reset just one channel?

Yes. Select the channel and click Reset.

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