Everything you need to know about Levels
Merged Levels provides full control over both the input and output tonal range of your image, converting it to grayscale in the process. Adjust where black and white points are set on both ends – stretch the input range to maximize contrast, then compress the output range to control the final brightness limits.
Parameters
- Input Black
Sets which brightness level becomes black. Pixels at or below this value become the darkest output. Raising this value clips shadow detail and increases contrast by remapping darker midtones to black. - Input White
Sets which brightness level becomes white. Pixels at or above this value become the brightest output. Lowering this value clips highlight detail and increases contrast by remapping brighter midtones to white. - Output Black
Sets the darkest value in the final image. At 0, true black is possible. Raising this value lifts shadows, creating a faded, matte look where nothing is pure black. - Output White
Sets the brightest value in the final image. At 255, true white is possible. Lowering this value compresses highlights, creating a muted look where nothing is pure white.
How It Works
The filter first converts each pixel to grayscale using luminance weighting. Then it applies a two-stage remapping: Input levels stretch the tonal range (mapping your specified black/white points to 0–1), then Output levels compress it to your desired final range.
Common Uses
- Maximize contrast
Set Input Black/White to match your image's actual darkest/brightest values - Faded film look
Raise Output Black (15–30) and lower Output White (225–240) - High-key effect
Lower Input White to brighten the overall image - Low-key effect
Raise Input Black to darken the overall image
Tips
- Input levels control contrast; Output levels control the brightness range
- For vintage matte looks, keep Input at defaults and adjust Output
- For contrast boost, adjust Input and keep Output at defaults
- This converts to grayscale – use RGB Levels if you need color preservation