ExpertPhotography
  • Articles
  • My Learning
  • Store
  • About
  • Contact
  • Photo Quiz
ExpertPhotography

Learn Photography
  • Quick Capture Cheat Sheets
  • Photography for Beginners
  • Intuitive Composition
  • Show more...
  • Effortless Editing With Lightroom
  • Epic Landscape Editing
  • The Preset Collection
  • Show more...
  • The Magical Photography Spellbook
  • Dreamy Childhood Portraits
  • The Creative Photography Cookbook
  • Show more...
  • Simply Stunning Landscapes
  • Infinite Exposures
  • Milky Way Mastery
  • Show more...
  • Products In Focus
  • Fairytale Portraits
  • Organic Marketing for Photographers
  • Show more...
Need Help?
Contact UsCookie PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms of Use
Connect

ExpertPhotography is part of several affiliate sales networks. This means we may receive a commission if you purchase something by clicking on one of our links.

ExpertPhotography is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Expert Photography © 2011-2024. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy Terms of Use

Photoshop Processing

How to Use the Eyedropper Tool in Photoshop

Szilard Kovacs
by Szilard Kovacs
Last updated: 21/10/2024-4 min read
ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little money. Need more info? See how it all works here.

Mastering how to use the Eyedropper Tool in Photoshop can simplify your editing process. This guide aims to solve the complexities of this tool, enhancing your color matching skills, and ultimately, the quality of your work.

Step 1. Locate the Eyedropper Tool in Photoshop

The Eyedropper Tool is found in the toolbar on the left side of the Photoshop interface. It’s represented by an icon that looks like a traditional eyedropper.

The Photoshop interface, showcasing an image editing process with multiple layers and tools open.

Step 2. Understand the Options Bar for the Eyedropper Tool

Once you select the Eyedropper Tool, the options bar at the top of the screen will change to reflect its unique settings.

Step 2.1. Sample Size

Sample size determines the number of pixels the Eyedropper Tool samples when you click. The larger the sample size, the more pixels it averages, which can be useful for noisy or grainy images.

Adobe Photoshop, showing an editing interface with various tools and panels, and a sample image open in the window.

Step 2.2. Sample Ring

The Sample Ring shows a preview of the color you’re about to sample (outer ring) and the currently selected color (inner ring).

Step 3. Using the Eyedropper Tool

The primary function of the Eyedropper Tool is to select colors from your image.

Step 3.1. Sampling a Single Color

To sample a single color, simply click on the desired area of your image.

A train yard with various train cars and tracks, overlaid with a grid guide to help align elements in the picture.

Step 3.2. Sampling an Average Color

To sample an average color, change the Sample Size to a larger value, then click on the desired area. Photoshop will average the colors of the selected pixels.

A train yard filled with numerous colorful cargo trains, presented in an Adobe Photoshop window with various layers and adjustments visible.

Step 4. Changing the Sample Source

You can change the sample source from the options bar, allowing you to sample colors from different layers or even different documents.

Photoshop program open and an image of cargo train cars displayed.

Step 5. Using the Eyedropper with Other Tools

The Eyedropper Tool can be used in conjunction with other tools to create a more efficient workflow.

Step 5.1. Eyedropper with Brush Tool

While using the Brush Tool, hold down the Alt key (Option key on Mac) to temporarily switch to the Eyedropper Tool and sample a color.

A graphic design software with an open image featuring a freight terminal scene.

Step 5.2. Eyedropper with Gradient Tool

In the Gradient Editor, you can use the Eyedropper Tool to select colors directly from your image to use in your gradient.

A train yard, a colorful composite of transport vehicles, and an animated gif of a train.

Step 6. Understanding the Color Picker

The Color Picker window is where you can fine-tune the color you’ve selected, adjust hue, saturation, and brightness, or input specific color values.

A graphic design software interface, with the color picker open and a railroad-themed background.

Step 7. Setting the Foreground and Background Colors

The colors you select with the Eyedropper Tool become your new foreground color. To set the background color, hold down the Alt key (Option key on Mac) while clicking.

Step 8. Saving the Selected Color

To save a selected color for future use, click on the color swatch in the Color Picker window and add it to your Swatches panel.

A blurred photo in the background, displaying different color swatches and tools, and highlighting the search function.

Step 9. Using the Eyedropper Tool for Precise Color Matching

The Eyedropper Tool is essential for precise color matching, especially when editing images or creating complex designs. Simply sample the color you want to match and apply it where needed.

Sidebar-ad_QCC_related-product
Sidebar-ad_QCC_free-sample_
Sidebar-ad_QCC_free-download_2-posters

Popular Content

Fujifilm X-T200 Review (Should You Buy This Camera in 2024?)

Read Article