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stephanief83452989
stephanief83452989
Participant
April 18, 2019
Answered

Is it possible to switch image modes from Grayscale back to RGB Color with all of its original properties?

  • April 18, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 800 views

I have an image that is currently in Grayscale mode, but i'd like to switch it back to RGB with its original properties. The image I opened was in Grayscale when I opened it, meaning I can't Step Backward or Undo, if that makes any difference.

Thanks in advance.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

Unless the original color content is stored specifically (for example in a Smart Object, in additional Channels, …) a grayscale image contains no full-color information.

Please post a screenshot including the pertinent Panels (Layers, Channels, …).

3 replies

Norman Sanders
Norman Sanders
Legend
April 18, 2019

If the grayscale file was saved with a different file name or file extension, or if the grayscale file was worked for an hour or more and you have Time Machine running on your Mac, you may be in luck. Otherwise, the color version is lost. By the way, if you shot the image and have not reformatted your camera's card, chances are it is still there. Good luck.

JJMack
Community Expert
JJMackCommunity Expert
Community Expert
April 18, 2019

You can convert from grayscale to RGB menu Image>mode>RGB. However, everthing will still be shades of gray.  A grayscale image has shades of gray.  In RGB mode that means pixels RGB values will have equal channels values R value = G value = B value shades of gray from 000 000 000 black through 128 128 182 50% gray to 255 255 255 White.  You can add color than though.

JJMack
c.pfaffenbichler
Community Expert
c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
April 18, 2019

Unless the original color content is stored specifically (for example in a Smart Object, in additional Channels, …) a grayscale image contains no full-color information.

Please post a screenshot including the pertinent Panels (Layers, Channels, …).

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