Multiple issues editing photos

[Cinewaze]

Hi Everyone,

I'm using PS for the first time in almost 15 years to correct photography I've scanned from 35mm negatives. I think my workflow is the same as it was on CS5 but I'm having some issues. There's something I'm missing with the newer versions.

I can't get sharpening filters to stick. Smart sharpen and unsharp masks look good in the preview but after I apply a filter, the image reverts back. 

When exporting jpeg, the color tone changes dramatically. All of the color adjustments that I make seem to diesappear. I've tried flattening the image first. Similiarly, merging visible layers changes the tone. 

My workflow: white balance and basic edits in Lightroom>PS>duplicate background layer>adjustments. 

Version 25.12 -- Windows 11 

[JessCampbell]

Hi there. Could you please post a screen recording of how this is happening for you, or at least a few screenshots showing before and after, with your layers panel visible?

I'm wondering if you might still have the original BG layer (on the bottom of the stack) selected when you are creating the blur filter. You would see the preview just fine, but then it would be covered up by the duplicate on top once you finish the filter. 

[Per Berntsen]

I can't get sharpening filters to stick. Smart sharpen and unsharp masks look good in the preview but after I apply a filter, the image reverts back. 

By @Cinewaze

You have to view the image at 100% when applying or evaluating sharpening.

Any other view will be inaccurate and misleading because the image has been scaled.

At 100%, one image pixel is represented by one screen pixel, giving you a true impression of the image.

So do you see the sharpening when viewing the image at 100% before and after applying the filter?

When exporting jpeg, the color tone changes dramatically. All of the color adjustments that I make seem to diesappear. I've tried flattening the image first. Similiarly, merging visible layers changes the tone. 

By @Cinewaze

In what application are you viewing the exported jpg?

Please post screenshots that show the difference.

Do not attach the screenshots, use the Insert Photos button in the toolbar tio embed them in your post.