How To Make A Frequency Separation Photoshop Action

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Although retouching is an art that requires time and skill, Photoshop actions can automate some of the repetitive tasks. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to create an action in Photoshop to automate one such task. Frequency separation allows you to edit the colors and textures separately, to retouch the skin without turning it into a plastic mask. With a frequency separation action, you'll be able to do retouching much faster!

If you want to learn how to use Photoshop actions or what Photoshop actions are, you may want to check these tutorials first:

What Are Photoshop Actions and How to Install Photoshop Actions Kirk Nelson 20 Jan 2021
How to Install Photoshop Actions Melody Nieves 14 Dec 2018
How to Use Photoshop Actions Melody Nieves 21 Oct 2020

Follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube Channel:

1. Open the Photo on the Background Layer

Open your photo in Photoshop. Make sure your image is the background layer. If not, go to Layer > New > Background from Layer.

2. Create a New Photoshop Action

Create a New Action.

Give it a name.

3. Create Two Duplicate Layers

Duplicate the layer twice by pressing Control-J. Name the lower layer Low Frequency and the upper one High Frequency. Hide the High Frequency layer.

4. Add a Gaussian Blur

Select the Low Frequency layer and go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur. Adjust the Radius to remove most of the details. We want this layer to contain colors, but not texture.

5. Change the Blend Mode

Show the other layer and change its Blend Mode to Linear Light.

6. Add a High Pass Filter

Go to Filter > Other > High Pass. Adjust the Radius to bring the texture back. Keep it subtle, trying to avoid the glow.

7. Stop the Action and Tweak the Settings

Click Stop Recording.

The problem with this action is that every photo needs a different radius for blur and high pass. To make it more universal, check the square next to these positions on the list.

Now, every time you play the action, you'll be asked to adjust the Radius manually.

8. Edit the Low Frequency Layer

Here's where the action ends. Now you have two layers: Low Frequency contains colors, and High Frequency contains texture. You can edit them separately.

First, hide the High Frequency layer. Use the Healing Brush Tool (J) or the Clone Stamp Tool (S) to replace the colors and tones that you don't want to see with colors from other areas. It may take a while, but with this method you don't have to worry about losing texture in the process. You can focus completely on the colors.

9. Edit the High Frequency Layer

Next, show the High Frequency layer. Make sure that your Healing Brush is set to Current Layer only. Then repeat the process, this time filling the unwanted areas with the proper texture. Again, it may be time-consuming, depending on the task, but here you don't need to care about the colors. You can borrow the texture from any area, regardless of its background. This makes the process much easier.

Retouching Photoshop Actions

Frequency Separation Photoshop Actions

As you can see, Photoshop actions can make the process of retouching easier and faster. But more powerful actions can even do most of the work for you! For example, this set contains highly intelligent actions that utilize face detection to create frequency separation, and it offers an auto-retouch feature as well.

Skin Retouching Actions

These actions let you retouch portraits in a fraction of the time with only a beginner's knowledge of Photoshop. You can mattify, airbrush, and heal skin using the same techniques professionals use. This set contains tools like mattifier, lip enhancer, teeth whitener, and more.

Beauty Box Photoshop Actions

From high-end magazine-quality editing to quick retouching for everyday use, the “Beauty Box” is all you will need! This collection has gone above and beyond any other beauty retouching set on the market, by bringing you one-of-a-kind skin shade matching techniques and an array of beautifully blended digital cosmetics.

Skin Retouch Photoshop Actions Vol. 2

This set offers a variety of effects that are easy to use and customize. After playing an action, simply open the action folder in the layers palette and adjust each individual layer’s opacity and blending mode. You have the power to adjust as necessary to fine tune each action for your personal needs.

Good Job!

Now you know how to create a frequency separation action in Photoshop. If you want to learn how to create other Photoshop actions, check out our tutorials:

How to Create a Basic Photoshop Action for Your Photography Marie Gardiner 09 Jan 2019
How to Blur a Background in Photoshop Monika Zagrobelna 30 Dec 2019
How to Customize a Photoshop Action Melody Nieves 22 Jan 2019
How to Create a Photoshop Action to Turn a Photo Into a Drawing Monika Zagrobelna 18 Mar 2019
How to Create a Photo to Watercolor Photoshop Action Marko Kožokar 28 May 2019