Frequency Separation Retouching Photoshop Actions
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Software
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CompatibilityPhotoshop CS6 & Newer
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Photoshop actions4 Frequency Separation Actions
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To practice on5 Sample Images
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In the downloadPDF Guide & Action List
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Works on8 & 16-bit Photos
Course Downloads
Install Guide
How to Install Your Actions
A short PDF that shows three ways to install this action in Photoshop, how to play it on your photo, and three tips for better results.
Split skin into a color layer and a texture layer in one click, on 8-bit and 16-bit photos alike. Pick the blur size or choose your own, then smooth blotches without losing pores.
Choose a 4, 8 or 12 px blur, or use Frequency Separation Choose Blur to set your own, then even out color on one layer while the other keeps the skin texture.
Tested in Photoshop 2026 and built from steps that work in Photoshop CS6 and newer, with 5 sample images to practice on and a PDF guide in the download.
PHLEARN PRO · Photoshop Actions
Frequency Separation Retouching Photoshop Actions
4 actions5 sample imagesPDF guidePhotoshop 2026
Frequency Separation Photoshop Actions
Professional Retouching Made Easy
Set up frequency separation in one click: even out skin tone on one layer while pores and fine texture stay on another.
Smooth Skin, Keep the Texture
The Frequency Separation action splits skin into separate color and texture layers, so you can even out tone without blurring detail. Here the blotchy patches on the forehead and cheeks blend into a smoother, more even tone, while the pores and fine texture stay put. Play it and a group called Frequency Separation appears at the top of your layers with both layers inside.
How Frequency Separation Works
The photo is split into two layers: a low-frequency layer that holds color and tone, and a high-frequency layer that holds texture. Smooth the first and leave the second alone, and blotches fade while pores stay sharp. On Low Frequency, even out color with a soft brush or the Mixer Brush. On High Frequency, fix blemishes and stray hairs with the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush set to Current Layer.
Best On
Close-up beauty portraits, headshots, and faces with uneven tone or shine.
Smoother Highlights and Shadows
Harsh jumps from light to shadow are where skin often looks rough. In this portrait, the redness on the cheek and the uneven shading along the face soften into gentle transitions, and he still looks natural. Toggle the Frequency Separation group off and on to compare, and lower its opacity if the retouch starts to look too smooth.
Work in Gentle Passes
Soft transitions come from several light passes on the color layer rather than one heavy one. Keep your edits small around the eyes, nose and mouth so the shape of the face stays intact. Paint with a soft brush at 10 to 20% opacity on the Low Frequency layer and build it up. Texture stays untouched while you paint. Zoom in to retouch texture, then zoom out often to judge the whole face.
Best On
Outdoor portraits in mixed light, profiles, and faces with redness or patchy shading.
Retouch Any Type of Skin
The same action works on any skin tone, on 8-bit JPEGs and 16-bit RAW files alike. On this portrait, the spots and uneven shading on the forehead and cheek are evened out, while the beard, stubble and pores stay sharp and real. Pick the blur by photo size: Frequency Separation 8 px suits most portraits from today’s cameras, and 12 px suits very large files.
Keep It Real
Good retouching removes what is temporary, like redness and shine, and keeps what makes a face its own: beard, stubble, freckles and lines. Check the result at 100% and at normal viewing size before you call it done. The best blur hides the texture but keeps the shapes. If pores still show in the low layer, use a larger blur or Frequency Separation Choose Blur.
Best On
Men’s portraits, close headshots with beards, and any face that needs a realistic retouch.
What’s in the Download
One action set, 4 frequency separation actions
Unzip it and load the set in the Actions panel. One action works on 8-bit and 16-bit photos; pick the blur that hides the skin texture.
- ATNPHLEARN Frequency Separation 2026.atn1 action set with all 4 actions
- JPG5 Sample ImagesPractice photos
- PDFPHLEARN Frequency Separation – Guide (2026).pdfInstall steps, every action explained, fixes
- Frequency Separation 4 px
- Frequency Separation 8 px
- Frequency Separation 12 px
- Frequency Separation Choose Blur
The 5 sample images
Photoshop Action Questions, Answered
What’s included in the Frequency Separation Retouching Photoshop Actions?
The download includes 4 Photoshop actions: Frequency Separation 4 px, 8 px and 12 px (pick the blur by photo size) and Frequency Separation Choose Blur. Each one works on 8-bit and 16-bit photos. You also get 5 sample images and a PDF guide with install steps and every action explained.
What kind of retouching is the Frequency Separation action made for?
It is made for skin retouching in portraits. You can remove blemishes like fine lines, wrinkles, stray hair and pimples without damaging the original skin tone, and smooth harsh transitions from highlight to shadow while keeping skin texture. The goal is a realistic result, not a fake or overly retouched look.
How does the Frequency Separation action work?
Frequency separation splits the color and tone of skin from its fine textures and details so you can edit each on its own. The action builds the layers you need in a few clicks, then you refine them yourself with the Brush Tool, Layer Masks and Opacity to dial in the look you want.
Are Photoshop Actions included in my PHLEARN PRO subscription?
Yes. A PHLEARN PRO membership includes every Photoshop Action pack, plus PRO Tutorials, Lightroom Presets, LUTs and Photoshop Brushes.
What version of Photoshop do I need?
These actions work in Photoshop CS6 and newer, on Mac and Windows. We recommend the latest version. Photoshop on the iPad and on the web cannot run actions.
How do I install Photoshop Actions?
Unzip the download, open Photoshop, then double-click the .ATN file. Photoshop shows no confirmation, but the set is now at the bottom of the Actions panel. The PDF guide in your download shows every install method and explains each action, and there is more help on our Photoshop Actions install guide.
Where do the actions show up after I install them?
At the bottom of the Actions panel, as a set named after the pack. Open the panel with Window > Actions, or press Option + F9 on a Mac or Alt + F9 on Windows.
Photoshop says “Command not currently available.” What do I do?
The photo is in a mode Photoshop can’t add these layers to: Indexed Color, Bitmap, Multichannel or 32-bit. Set Image > Mode to RGB Color and 8 or 16 Bits/Channel, and if Quick Mask is on, press Q to turn it off. Then play the action again. The rebuilt 2026 actions work with any layer selected and in CMYK, Lab and Grayscale photos too.
The action stopped and showed a message. Is something wrong?
The 2026 actions don’t stop with messages any more: each one builds its layers in one go, and the layer and group names tell you what to do next. A few actions open a Photoshop window on purpose (Choose Direction, Custom, Choose Blur and the movable vignettes) so you can set the effect yourself; click OK when you’re done.
How do I undo an action?
Open the History panel (Window > History) and click the state from before the action ran. You can also hide or delete the group the action built in the Layers panel.
Do you offer refunds?
Because these are downloadable products, all sales are final and we are not able to offer refunds.
Terms of Use
These Actions are licensed for personal and professional use by the individual who purchased or downloaded them. The license does not extend to companies or partnerships, and the files may not be resold, loaned, gifted, shared, copied or redistributed. All PHLEARN Actions are copyright protected.
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