Skip to main content
Johnny Sokko
Johnny Sokko
Inspiring
July 24, 2017
Answered

Replace Color: Why can't I use Eyedropper to pick new color?

  • July 24, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 6653 views

The "Replace Color" command does not seem to allow me to let me assign the new color with the eyedropper tool (while in the Replace Color interface box). I can only seem to use the HSL sliders to create the color I wish to use as a replacement. But I want to replace a color with a color which already exists in my Photoshop composition (which is currently set to my foreground color).

So, to clarify, I open the Replace Color interface box, switch over from "Selection" to "Image", pick the color I wish to modify with the eyedropper tool. Now, I click the "Result" swatch below, then the Color Picker window pops up. I can then move my cursor over to my open composition, where the cursor becomes an eyedropper, click on the color I want, but Color Picker ignores the fact that I just clicked on the color I want. Oh sure, I can change the hex values, RGB, values, etc., but why won't the Color Picker honor the eyedropper tool input?

Thanks-

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer davescm

    Hi

    Are your wanted colors on a different layer?

    When in the Replace Color dialogue - the color picker acts only in "Current Layer " mode (regardless of the setting of the eye dropper outside of replace color) . So you can only sample colour from that layer.

    Dave

    2 replies

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    July 24, 2017

    Hi

    Are your wanted colors on a different layer?

    When in the Replace Color dialogue - the color picker acts only in "Current Layer " mode (regardless of the setting of the eye dropper outside of replace color) . So you can only sample colour from that layer.

    Dave

    Johnny Sokko
    Johnny SokkoAuthor
    Inspiring
    July 24, 2017

    Thanks Dave. You nailed it. It was indeed an issue of attempting to sample a color from a different layer. Well now I know!

    Kind regards-

    davescm
    Community Expert
    davescmCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 24, 2017

    I found it strange as most other tools will respect the setting of the general eye dropper tool.

    Now here is a bizarre workaround for you :

    1. Go to Window - Arrange - New Window for xxxxxxxx (your document). This will open the same document in a second window

    2. Then Window Arrange Tile 2 up vertically (so you see both versions)

    3. Open replace color and click on the color you want to replace

    4. Click on the Result box to open the color picker

    5. In the first image window  click on the image and hold whilst you drag the eye dropper onto the color you want in the duplicate image window then release

    6. The color picker will update with that wanted color from the duplicate window

    Dave

    Jeff Arola
    Community Expert
    Jeff ArolaCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    July 24, 2017

    What version of photoshop and operating system are you using?

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices