Auto Tone & Auto Contrast in Photoshop 2022

[Stacia25406339zbj3]

I was attempting to learn from a Beginners tutorial and the very first task was to work with the Background Layer, duplicating it and using the Auto Tone function.  Then, duplicating it and using the Auto Contrast function.  The tutorial example's screen showed 3 different "background" layers and for me... they all looked the same.  Meaning, even though I had "Auto Toned" the one background layer, it changed them all (including the original LOCKED image).  When I click from one to the other, they are all exactly the same.  What am I doing wrong?  

[Theresa J]

Can you share a link to the tutorial? 

How exactly are you using Auto Tone?

[Stacia25406339zbj3]

Thank you for your response!  Here is the tutorial

It asked me to: duplicate the Layer titled "background" and then name that layer Auto Tone. Then use Image / Auto Tone from the menu... and it made the image darker.  I did the same for Auto Contrast.  However, all of my images became the same coloring.  They all became Auto Tone, including the original locked layer titled "background".  I am attaching a screenshot of what my PS screen looks like when I keep trying. 

[Stacia25406339zbj3]

This part of the tutorial starts toward the end of minute 4 / beginninng of minute 5. 

[jane-e]

Hi @Stacia25406339zbj3 

In addition to what Theresa said, here are a couple of questions:

• Are you using the commands from the Image menu (destructive)?
• Do you have Smart Objects?
• When you are checking each layer, are you hiding the others and showing only the one?

If you are not sure, show us your Layers panel (Window menu)

Jane

[Stacia25406339zbj3]

Thank you, Jane... yes, I was using commands from the Image menu.  I don't know what Smart Objects are.  I am not hiding the others, I'm duplicating and renaming.  See tutorial I am attaching... it's the first thing he is teaching starting at around minute 5.  

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

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@Stacia25406339zbj3 wrote:

I am not hiding the others,

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This is why you are not seeing the changes. Make sure you are viewing one layer at at time while hiding the others (click the eyeball). Otherwise you the upper layer hides the bottom layers.

Jane

[Stacia25406339zbj3]

You're right... wow, thank you so much.  I am going to look back at this one day and realize what a newb problem this was.  I appreciate the help!

[jane-e]

You're welcome, @Stacia25406339zbj3 ,  and yes, other beginners have done the same. Have fun learning!

Jane