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Push and pull pixels like a pro! This tutorial shows you how to use Photoshop’s Liquify filter to clean up images. Easily smooth out wrinkled clothing, adjust hair, and learn the controls for the Forward Warp Tool. We also explore Face-Aware Liquify and provide an essential tip for repairing warped backgrounds using Generative Fill after your edits.
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- Ricky Tjio
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AFTER
BEFORE
Warp, Reconstruct, Refine
Getting a subject to look their absolute best in a photograph often comes down to precise, subtle adjustments that go beyond basic color and lighting. Photoshop’s Liquify tool is the industry standard for these types of refinements, offering unparalleled control for shaping elements like unruly hair and wrinkled clothing.
Convert Smart Object
Before entering the Liquify filter, always convert your layer to a Smart Object. This allows you to re-edit your Liquify changes at any time, making the process non-destructive. To do this, go to Filter > Convert for Smart Filters. Once your layer is a Smart Object, go to Filter > Liquify to open the workspace. Use Ctrl/Cmd + Plus to zoom in.
Master Forward Warp
The Forward Warp Tool is your primary tool for pushing and pulling pixels. Use it to easily smooth out wrinkles in clothing and add volume to hair. The key to control is frequently adjusting your brush size using the [ (smaller) and ] (larger) keys. For fine details, use a smaller brush; for broader reshaping, use a larger brush. Remember: when pushing in objects near the background (like a loose pocket), push straight in to avoid warping the background lines.
Reconstruction & Undo
If you overdo an edit, the Liquify workspace offers two simple ways to undo:
1. Use the Reconstruct Tool (second icon on the left) to paint over an area and revert the pixels back to their original state.
2. Use the Reconstruct slider (on the right-hand Brush Reconstruct Options panel) to blend your entire Liquify effect with the original image, allowing you to fine-tune the overall strength.
Face-Aware Generative Fix
The Face-Aware Liquify panel (on the right) lets you adjust features like eyes, mouth, and nose using simple sliders. While this is a powerful tool, it’s advised to use it with extreme caution and restraint. If any of your Liquify work (on hair or body) warps the background, hit OK to apply the filter, then use a selection tool (like the Lasso) on the affected background area and apply Generative Fill to instantly repair and straighten the warped lines.
By using these steps, you now have a good starting point for using the Liquify filter to get great final photos! The way to get really good is to practice: always be changing your brush size, making small adjustments, and using Smart Objects to protect your work. Always keep the right way to use the tool in mind, focusing on making the photo better (like fixing clothing) instead of changing the person too much. Keep these ideas in mind, and the Liquify tool will become one of the most useful things you know in Photoshop.
