Everything you need to know about High Pass
High Pass extracts high-frequency detail (edges and textures) from your image by subtracting a blurred version from the original. This versatile filter can be used for precision sharpening, creating overlay layers for compositing, or visualizing edge information.
Modes
- High Pass (Gray)
Outputs a neutral gray image where edges and details appear as light and dark deviations from mid-gray. This is the classic high-pass output used for Overlay/Soft Light sharpening in layer-based workflows. - Sharpen (Add to Image)
Adds the extracted detail directly back to the original image, creating an instant sharpening effect. Use the Blend slider to control intensity. - Edges (Gray)
Similar to High Pass Gray – shows the extracted detail as a grayscale image for analysis or creative use.
Parameters
- Blend
Controls how much of the sharpened result is mixed with the original (only active in Sharpen mode). At 0, no sharpening is visible. At 1.0, full sharpening is applied. - Radius
Sets the blur radius used for detail extraction. Small values (0.5–2) capture fine detail and texture. Larger values (4–12) extract broader edges and structure. - Amount
Multiplies the extracted detail intensity. Higher values (2–8) create stronger contrast in the high-pass output or more aggressive sharpening.
Tips
- For subtle sharpening: Radius 1–2, Amount 1–2, Blend 0.3–0.6
- For strong sharpening: Radius 2–4, Amount 3–5, Blend 0.7–1.0
- Use High Pass Gray mode to create sharpening layers for external compositing
- Larger radius values sharpen broader features; smaller values target fine texture