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ChadPT18
Known Participant
August 9, 2018
Answered

What does the Photoshop "Equalize" command actually do?

  • August 9, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 2451 views

Image > Adjustments > Equalize (At the bottom of the menu)

Was just wondering what this command actually does when you apply it to an image.

I can see it's changing the light and/or colour but technically what is going on?

Thanks in advance!

- CT

    Correct answer davescm

    Hi

    I rarely (read never) use this so had to look it up.

    It looks across the channels for the darkest pixel in any channel and maps that to 0 (shifting the other 2 channels (if RGB) proportionally. Similarly it looks for the lightest pixel in any channel and maps that channel value to 255 ( again shifting the other 2 channels proportionally.  All other pixels are then shifted proportionally, effectively increasing the contrast.

    My recommendation would be - forget it and use the much more controllable (and non-destructive) curves adjustment layer.

    Dave

    3 replies

    T
    TangCanada
    Participating Frequently
    May 24, 2025

    Another useless command... just like the paint bucket tool.

    D
    dough63376286
    Participating Frequently
    November 5, 2022

    I use equalise quite a bit, sometimes it works wonders sometimes it doesn't, more often than not it's great.
    Duplicate the background then equalise, play around with % and mode. It can put a lot of detail back in a bright sky or the shadows. You can mask it or just elete if you don't like the effect.

    I find it very useful and far simpler to use than shadows / highlights.

      davescm
      Community Expert
      davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      August 9, 2018

      Hi

      I rarely (read never) use this so had to look it up.

      It looks across the channels for the darkest pixel in any channel and maps that to 0 (shifting the other 2 channels (if RGB) proportionally. Similarly it looks for the lightest pixel in any channel and maps that channel value to 255 ( again shifting the other 2 channels proportionally.  All other pixels are then shifted proportionally, effectively increasing the contrast.

      My recommendation would be - forget it and use the much more controllable (and non-destructive) curves adjustment layer.

      Dave

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