Sharpen images

[bazzah]

The High Pass filter can be used to quickly sharpen up images

First, duplicate your image (CTRL/CMD + J)

Right click on the duplicated image and select Convert To Smart Object. Converting to a Smart Object will allow you to adjust the High Pass filter later, if you need to. Rename the layer to High Pass.

[attachment=46158:DuplicateLayer.jpg]

Now go to Filter -> Other -> High Pass. You will be presented with a grey preview of your image, with a Radius slider. The High Pass filter finds the edges of your image, and the Radius highlights them. Adjusting the Radius slider changes the width of the highlights. So the higher the radius, the more washed out your image will look. So slide the Radius down to 0.1 and increase it until you have some nice sharp outlines. In this example I am setting it to 3.0. Remember, as you converted the High Pass layer to a smart object, you can adjust this later.

[attachment=46160:HighPassFilter.jpg]

Change the layer style to Overlay

[attachment=46159:Overlay.jpg]

Hopefully your image will now be a lot sharper and detailed. And if it isn't, open up the High Pass filter by double clicking the High Pass Smart Filter, and adjusting the Radius.

[attachment=46154:Amend.jpg]

Now go ahead and make any other adjustments, and hopefully you will have an image you can work with.

[VincentLupo]

Great tip Baz!

[Speedz0r]

This is very useful and I use it all the time

[abendhei]

I´m always happy about every new tip.

Even this one I used a lot in the past on older movie covers.

[ripley]

I didn't take the time to try this one, so it will be for next weekend. Thank you Baz'