Video:Fix Blemishes with Adobe Photoshop Healing Brush

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Transcript:Fix Blemishes with Adobe Photoshop Healing Brush

Hi, I'm Isaac Brody for About.com Computing. Today I'll teach you how to correct facial blemishes using the healing brush tool in Adobe Photoshop.

First, open up Adobe Photoshop. Click on File, Select Open, and Select your Picture. My preferred method for fixing facial blemishes is with the Healing Brush Tool.

Create a Photoshop Layer for Healing Brush Tool

First make a duplicate of your photo by dragging it onto the Create a New Layer icon. Now make sure the copy layer is selected. Double-click on the copy layer and name it Healing. I made a duplicate to protect the original in case we want to make changes later on and also to compare my healing layer to the original.

Understanding Photoshop Healing Brush Tool

Now select the Healing Brush Tool on the toolset on the left side. The Healing Brush tool works like the Clone Tool, but instead of just cloning an area's texture, the healing brush also samples an area's color and blends the sample area into the destination seamlessly.

Identify Areas to Fix With Healing Brush

Select a section to heal by holding down the Alt key on PC's, the Option key if you're on a Mac.

Using the Photoshop Healing Brush Tool

Notice the target crosshairs? I want to remove blemishes over his left eyebrows. I'll hold down the Alt key and I'll click on a clear section of skin. And now I'll click on a blemish. I just healed a blemish away. I find it useful to keep one finger on the Alt key and to use my right hand to heal with the mouse. I'll heal a few more. If you make a mistake you can undo by going to Edit, and hitting Step Backward.

Photoshop Healing Brush Features

A great thing about the Healing Brush is that it's very forgiving. Click the Eye icon on the healing layer in the layer palette to compare the differences. See the difference a little healing can do to improve people's complexions. The Healing Brush tool is also useful for reducing wrinkles, and unwanted shadows.

Make a duplicate of the healing layer by dragging it to the Create a New Layer icon. Double-click the new Healing Layer and name it Wrinkles. Now I'll select my Healing Brush tool and sample a clear section of skin on his forehead. And I'll erase the wrinkles and shadows under his eyes.

Making Healing Brush Results More Natural

The result is kind of drastic and may look artificial at first. A good way to cut down on the drastic change is to lower the opacity on the wrinkle layer. I'll lower it to about 70 percent opacity.

The healing brush is a powerful method for removing blemishes and wrinkles and helping people look their best.

Thanks for watching. For more information, please visit us online at Computing.About.com.