Changing object colors in Photoshop can dramatically transform the mood, theme, or purpose of an image. Whether you’re tweaking subtle hues or completely swapping a product’s color, Photoshop offers multiple professional techniques to get the job done. From beginners to advanced users, you’ll find this guide full of actionable steps using tools like Hue/Saturation, Color Replacement, Layer Masks, Color Range, and more.

Where to Find Color Settings in Photoshop

Photoshop’s Color Settings panel is essential for maintaining color accuracy and consistency across digital and print workflows. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections and what each one controls:

1. Working Spaces

This section defines the default color profiles Photoshop uses for different types of content.

• RGB: Common choices include RGB (standard for web), Adobe RGB (wider gamut), and ProPhoto RGB (best for high-end editing).
• CMYK: Used for print. Examples: U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) or ISO Coated.
• Gray: Sets the profile for grayscale images.
• Spot: For handling spot colors used in specific print jobs.

Tip: Choose sRGB for online use and Adobe RGB or ProPhoto for print and professional editing.

2. Color Management Policies

Controls how Photoshop handles embedded color profiles when opening files.

• Options for RGB, CMYK, Gray:
  • Preserve Embedded Profiles: Keeps the image’s original color profile.
  • Convert to Working Space: Converts to the current working profile.
  • Off: Ignores embedded profiles (not recommended).

3. Conversion Options

Specifies how colors are converted from one profile to another.

• Engine: Usually set to Adobe (ACE) for best results.
• Intent:
  • Relative Colorimetric: Keeps colors close to original; best for photos.
  • Perceptual: Maintains relationships between colors; better for complex images.
  • Saturation: Enhances vividness; ideal for charts or business graphics.
  • Absolute Colorimetric: Keeps colors exact; rarely used.
• Black Point Compensation: Preserves shadow details.
• Use Dither: Improves gradient smoothness in 8-bit images.

4. Profile Mismatches / Missing Profiles

Allows you to be notified or control how Photoshop reacts when a file has no profile or a different one.

• Ask When Opening / Pasting:
  • Prompts you if a profile mismatch occurs.
  • Helpful for collaborative or multi-device projects.

5. Advanced Controls

Fine-tune blending and color preview behaviors.

• Blend Text Colors Using Gamma: Affects how text blends with background.
• Desaturate Monitor Colors by X%: Simulates limited-color environments.
• Blend RGB Colors Using Gamma (1.00 or 2.2):
  • Use 1.00 for web/screen work.
  • Use 2.2 for print or realistic blending.

8 Best Ways to Change Colors in Photoshop

Changing object colors in Photoshop can be done in various ways depending on the image, selection complexity, and desired outcome. Here are the top 8 methods professionals use—ranked for versatility and control.

How to Change Color in Photoshop Using Hue/Saturation Adjustment

The Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer is one of the most effective and non-destructive ways to change colors in Photoshop. Whether you’re color-correcting, recoloring an object, or creating a dramatic effect, this tool gives you full control over hue, saturation, and brightness.

 When to Use:

• To change the color of a specific object without affecting the rest of the image
• To fine-tune tones for better color balance
• To apply creative effects or color shifts

Tools You’ll Use:

• Selection Tool (Lasso, Quick Select, or Magic Wand)
• Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer
• Layer Mask (auto-generated)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch Photoshop and open the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Select the Object

Use a selection tool (e.g., Quick Selection Tool or Lasso Tool) to isolate the object or area whose color you want to change.

Step 3: Create a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer

Go to:
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation, then click OK.
This creates a non-destructive layer you can adjust anytime.

Step 4: Adjust the Sliders

A Properties panel will appear with three main sliders:

• Hue: Shifts the color (left or right to find the desired tone)
• Saturation: Increases or decreases color intensity
• Lightness: Adjusts brightness or darkness

Step 5: Refine with the Layer Mask

If the adjustment affects unwanted areas, click the layer mask and:

• Use a black brush to hide the color change
• Use a white brush to reveal it
• Use a soft brush for smooth blending at edges

Optional: Use the ‘Colorize’ Option

Tick the Colorize checkbox to apply a uniform color to grayscale or selected areas. Great for stylized effects like sepia or duotones.

Pro Tips:

• Use the drop-down menu in the Properties panel to target specific color ranges (like “Reds” or “Blues”).
• Combine with other adjustment layers (like Brightness/Contrast) for better control.
• Save your Hue/Saturation settings as a preset for future projects.

Best For:

• Product recoloring (e.g., clothing, packaging)
• Skin tone adjustments
• Artistic or surreal color effects
• Fixing lighting-induced color imbalances
  

2. How to Use the Replace Color Dialog in Photoshop

The Replace Color dialog in Photoshop is a quick and powerful tool for changing a specific color throughout an image. It’s especially useful when you want to adjust one color that appears in multiple areas—like changing the color of clothing, flowers, or backgrounds—without complex selections.

When to Use:

• To globally change a specific color in multiple parts of an image
• When dealing with solid or simple color tones
• To target and replace shades without masking or layering

Tools You’ll Use:

• Replace Color dialog
• Eyedropper Tool (inside the dialog)
• Fuzziness slider
• Hue/Saturation/Lightness controls

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch Photoshop and open the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Access the Replace Color Dialog

Go to:
Image > Adjustments > Replace Color
This opens a new dialog box with a preview window and adjustment controls.

Step 3: Select the Target Color

• Use the Eyedropper Tool in the dialog to click on the color in your image you want to change.
• Use the + Eyedropper to add more similar tones if the color varies slightly across the image.

Step 4: Adjust Fuzziness

• Use the Fuzziness slider to increase or decrease the range of selected shades.
• Higher fuzziness = broader selection
• Lower fuzziness = more precise targeting

Step 5: Choose a New Color

• Adjust the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders to change the selected color.
• The preview will show changes in real time.

Step 6: Fine-Tune

• If the result isn’t accurate, adjust the fuzziness or reselect the color with the eyedropper.
• Click OK when you’re satisfied.

Pro Tips:

• Use Selection Preview (bottom of the dialog) to visualize selected pixels.

• Combine with Layer Masks or Adjustment Layers afterward for precise cleanup.

• Duplicate the layer before applying changes to preserve the original.

Limitations to Note:

• Not ideal for textured or high-detail areas where colors blend softly.
• Works best on clean, solid colors with strong contrast.
• Changes are destructive unless used on a duplicate layer.

Best For:

• Quick global color swaps (e.g., shirt color, car paint, background walls)
• Batch color correction in simple images
• Designers needing to preview multiple color versions fast

How to Use the Color Replacement Tool to Change Colors in Photoshop

The Color Replacement Tool in Photoshop allows you to brush over specific areas and replace colors while preserving the texture, lighting, and shading of the original image. It’s perfect for quick, targeted edits without masking or making selections.

When to Use:

• To recolor specific objects (like clothing, hair, or eyes)
• For subtle, texture-preserving color edits
• When selections are too time-consuming or unnecessary

Tools You’ll Use:

• Color Replacement Tool (nested under the Brush Tool)
• Foreground color selector
• Brush size, mode, and tolerance settings

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch Photoshop and load the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Select the Color Replacement Tool

• In the toolbar, click and hold the Brush Tool icon to reveal hidden tools.
• Choose Color Replacement Tool.

Shortcut: Press B and cycle through brush tools with Shift + B until it appears.

Step 3: Choose a New Color

• Set your desired new color as the foreground color in the color picker (bottom of the toolbar).
• This is the color that will replace the existing one.

Step 4: Adjust Tool Settings (Top Menu)

• Mode: Set to Color (recommended) – this changes hue and saturation but keeps brightness and texture.
• Sampling:
  • Continuous (samples color as you paint)
  • Once (samples the color at your initial click)
  • Background Swatch (samples the background color)
• Limits:
  • Contiguous (affects only adjacent pixels of the sampled color)
  • Discontiguous (affects all matching pixels under the brush)
• Tolerance:
  • A low value affects only closely matching colors.
  • A high value affects a broader range.

Step 5: Paint Over the Area

• Brush over the part of the image you want to recolor.
• Photoshop replaces the selected color while preserving the highlights, shadows, and textures.

Pro Tips:

• Use Protect Foreground Color to avoid changing areas that match your foreground tone.
• Zoom in and work slowly around edges for precision.
• Work on a duplicate layer to keep your original image intact.
• Adjust Brush Hardness depending on how sharp or blended your edge needs to be.

Limitations:

• Not ideal for color-blended, noisy, or complex textured areas.
• It’s a destructive tool, so consider duplicating the layer first.

Best For:

• Quick edits on hair, eyes, clothing, or accessories
• Recoloring product parts or promotional material
• Editors needing control without complex selections or masking 

How to Change the Color of Something in Photoshop Using the Brush Tool

The Brush Tool in Photoshop is a flexible and creative way to change the color of an object—especially when you want full control over where and how color is applied. When combined with Blending Modes and Layer Masks, it becomes a powerful non-destructive editing method.

When to Use:

• To add color manually to a specific object or area
• For detailed, artistic control with soft transitions
• When other tools (like Hue/Saturation or Replace Color) are too limiting

Tools You’ll Use:

• Brush Tool (B)
• New Layer
• Blending Modes (Color or Hue)
• Layer Mask (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Image in Photoshop

Open the photo or artwork in which you want to change an object’s color.

Step 2: Create a New Layer

Click the New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel.
This ensures non-destructive editing, preserving your original image.

Step 3: Set the Blending Mode

In the Layers Panel:

• Change the new layer’s Blending Mode to either:
  • Color: Changes hue and saturation while preserving brightness.
  • Hue: Changes only the hue, keeping saturation and lightness untouched.

Step 4: Choose the Brush Tool

• Press B or select the Brush Tool from the toolbar.
• Use a soft round brush for smooth edges.

Step 5: Pick Your Desired Color

• Click the foreground color swatch in the toolbar.
• Use the Color Picker to select your new color.

Step 6: Paint Over the Target Area

• Start brushing over the object or area you want to recolor.
• The blending mode ensures your color integrates naturally with textures and lighting.

Optional Enhancements:

• Add a Layer Mask to the color layer so you can refine painted areas nondestructively.
• Use lower Opacity or Flow for soft transitions and detailed control.
• Use different colors on separate layers to keep edits organized and adjustable.

Pro Tips:

• Use brackets [ and ] to quickly resize your brush.
• Set Flow lower than Opacity for more subtle, layered painting effects.
• Hold Alt/Option and click to sample colors directly from your image.

Limitations:

• Painting manually can be time-consuming for large or complex areas.
• Color accuracy may vary based on underlying tones—adjust as needed using Hue/Saturation or Curves.

Best For:

• Product photos, garments, or accessories
• Creative photo editing or stylization
• Recoloring simple objects where precision matters

How to Change Object Color with the Color Range Tool in Photoshop

The Color Range Tool is one of Photoshop’s most accurate methods for selecting and changing a specific color in an image—especially when the color is clearly distinguishable from the background. It’s perfect for precise color adjustments without affecting the entire image.

When to Use:

• When you want to isolate a specific color in an image
• To make selective color changes with clean edges
• When dealing with subtle tonal variations in a complex background

Tools You’ll Use:

• Color Range Selection
• Eyedropper Tool
• Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer
• Layer Mask

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open the Color Range Dialog

Step 2: Open the Color Range Dialog

Go to:
Select > Color Range

A dialog box will appear where you can select colors based on sampled hues.

Step 3: Select the Color You Want to Change

• Use the Eyedropper Tool in the dialog to click on the object’s color in your image.
• To add more color shades, click the “+” Eyedropper Tool and select additional pixels.
• Adjust the Fuzziness slider to control how wide the selection spreads.
  • Low Fuzziness = tight, accurate selection
  • High Fuzziness = broader color match

Step 4: Confirm and Apply the Selection

Click OK. Now, the selected color area will be highlighted with marching ants (active selection).

Step 5: Create a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer

With the selection still active:

• Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation
• A mask is automatically created from your selection

Now, you can fine-tune the color change:

• Hue: Shift to a completely new color
• Saturation: Intensify or mute the color
• Lightness: Make the area brighter or darker
• Optionally, check Colorize for uniform hue tinting

Pro Tips:

• Preview your selection with Selection View: None, Grayscale, Black Matte, or White Matte.
• Use Localized Color Clusters checkbox to restrict selection to nearby pixels (great for complex scenes).
• If needed, refine the mask with the Brush Tool to clean up unwanted areas.
• Save your selection via Select > Save Selection if you’ll reuse it later.

Limitations:

• Works best when the object color clearly contrasts with the background.
• Fuzzy or multicolored edges may require mask refinement.

Best For:

• Recoloring objects like flowers, clothing, or accessories
• Adjusting skin tones or product packaging
• Isolating and enhancing one color in a photo without affecting the rest

How to Change Color in Photoshop Using a Color Fill Layer

The Color Fill Layer method in Photoshop is a flexible, non-destructive way to change the color of any object—while maintaining shadows, highlights, and texture. It’s perfect for recoloring products, backgrounds, or garments with precision and control.

When to Use:

• To apply a flat color to an object or background
• When you want to preserve lighting and texture
• For recoloring objects like t-shirts, packaging, or surfaces

Tools You’ll Use:

• Solid Color Fill Layer
• Layer Mask
• Blending Modes (Color / Hue)
• Brush Tool (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Image

Start by opening your image in Photoshop.

Step 2: Create a Solid Color Fill Layer

• Click the Adjustment Layer icon (half-filled circle) at the bottom of the Layers Panel.
• Choose Solid Color from the menu.
• Pick your desired color in the Color Picker window and click OK.

Step 3: Change the Blending Mode

• In the Layers Panel, set the Blending Mode of the Color Fill Layer to:
  • Color (recommended): Changes hue and saturation, keeps texture
  • Hue: Changes only the hue, keeps original saturation and brightness

Step 4: Invert the Mask to Hide the Color

• Select the layer mask of the Color Fill Layer.
• Press Ctrl+I (Windows) or Cmd+I (Mac) to invert it—this hides the color entirely.

Step 5: Paint In the New Color

• Select the Brush Tool (B)
• Set your brush color to white and paint over the object you want to recolor.
• This reveals the fill color only where you paint, thanks to the layer mask.

Pro Tips:

• Duplicate the Color Fill Layer to try alternate color options without starting over.
• Use black on the mask to hide color from areas if you make a mistake.
• Combine with Selection Tools for more accurate masking.

Limitations:

• Not ideal for multicolored or highly detailed textures unless carefully masked.
• Works best on well-lit, evenly colored surfaces.

Best For:

• Product recoloring (e.g., apparel, packaging)
• Background or wall color changes
• Quick mockups of different color variants

Best for: Completely changing the color of an object while maintaining highlights and shadows.

How it works:

• Add a Solid Color Fill Layer.
• Set its Blend Mode to “Color.”
• Add a Layer Mask and paint over the area to reveal the new color.

How to Create a Partial Color Replacement Using Layer Masks in Photoshop

Using Layer Masks for partial color replacement allows you to change the color of only specific parts of an object while keeping the rest untouched. This non-destructive method offers precision, flexibility, and professional results, especially useful for advanced photo edits.

When to Use:

• To change the color of part of an object (e.g., just a sleeve, label, or area)
• When you want natural transitions or gradient-based blending
• For refining color changes made with adjustment layers

Tools You’ll Use:

• Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer (or Color Fill Layer)
• Layer Mask
• Brush Tool
• Selection Tools (optional)
• Gradient Tool (for smooth transitions)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch Photoshop and open the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Add an Adjustment Layer

• Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation (or choose Solid Color for a Fill Layer)
• Click OK

This creates an editable layer with its own built-in mask.

Step 3: Make Your Color Adjustments

• In the Properties panel, adjust Hue, Saturation, and Lightness to choose the new color.
• Or check Colorize to apply a uniform color tone.

Step 4: Invert the Layer Mask

• Click on the Layer Mask thumbnail next to your adjustment layer.
• Press Ctrl + I (Windows) or Cmd + I (Mac) to invert the mask—this hides the effect entirely.

Step 5: Paint the Target Area with the Brush Tool

• Select the Brush Tool (B)
• Set the foreground color to white
• Paint over the areas where you want the new color to appear

Black on a mask hides the effect
White on a mask reveals the effect
Shades of gray = partial visibility (great for subtle blending)

Step 6: Use a Gradient for Smooth Transitions (Optional)

• Select the Gradient Tool (G)
• In the toolbar, set it to Black to White
• Drag the gradient across your mask to gradually fade the color change

Pro Tips:

• Use a soft-edge brush with low opacity for seamless blending
• Press * to toggle mask visibility and see the affected area
• Hold Alt/Option + Click on the mask to view it directly
• Use [ and ] to adjust brush size quickly

Limitations:

• Requires careful brushing/masking on complex edges
• May need extra refinements for textured or multicolored areas

Best For:

• Changing part of a product’s color (e.g., only one shoe, bottle cap, or sleeve)
• Fashion photo edits with multi-colored garments
• Gradient effects or subtle visual transformations

How to Change an Object’s Color in Photoshop Using Blending Modes

Blending Modes in Photoshop allow you to recolor an object naturally by controlling how the color interacts with the underlying image. This technique is ideal when you want to preserve texture, lighting, and depth while applying a new color.

When to Use:

• When maintaining highlights, shadows, and textures is important
• To apply creative color effects in a non-destructive way
• For recoloring garments, skin tones, product surfaces, etc.

Tools You’ll Use:

• New Layer
• Brush Tool or Gradient Tool
• Blending Modes (Color, Hue, Overlay, etc.)
• Layer Mask (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Open Your Image

Launch Photoshop and load the image you want to work on.

Step 2: Create a New Layer

• In the Layers Panel, click the New Layer icon.
• Name it something like “Color Overlay” for clarity.

Step 3: Change the Layer’s Blending Mode

In the Layers Panel, set the blending mode to one of the following based on your desired effect:

Step 4: Choose a New Color

• Click the Foreground Color Swatch and choose your new color from the Color Picker.

Step 5: Paint Over the Object

• Select the Brush Tool (B)
• Use a soft, round brush and gently paint over the area to be recolored.
• Adjust brush opacity and flow for more control.

Step 6 (Optional): Refine with a Layer Mask

• Add a layer mask to the color layer to clean up edges or restrict the color.
• Paint with black to hide and white to reveal the color overlay.

Pro Tips:

• Use multiple layers with different blending modes for complex effects.
• Try gradients on a new layer with “Overlay” mode for lighting and stylization.
• Combine with selection tools or paths for precise targeting.
• Lower opacity to make the recolor more subtle and natural.

Limitations:

• Requires careful painting or masking for complex objects.
• Color shift results depend on the original image’s lighting and tone.

Best For:

• Clothing and fashion photo recoloring
• Product packaging mockups
• Skin tone corrections
• Creative image editing and effects

Also read this : How to Edit Product Photos in Photoshop for Online Stores

Where to Get Photoshop Color Change Services

If you’re looking for expert Photoshop color change services that deliver high-quality, precise, and affordable results, consider partnering with a trusted photo editing agency. Whether you’re a product photographer, e-commerce manager, or creative professional, outsourcing your color adjustments can save time and ensure professional-grade edits.

Why Choose a Professional Photoshop Color Change Service?

• Expert Color Accuracy: Skilled editors use advanced Photoshop tools like masking, blending modes, and color range selections to deliver perfect color changes.
• Non-Destructive Workflow: Your images remain intact, preserving natural shadows, textures, and highlights.
• Fast Turnaround: Agencies prioritize quick delivery to ensure timely meeting of your deadlines.
• Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing with consistent quality.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Assistance whenever you need it.
  

  Also read this: How to Deselect in Photoshop

Recommended Service Provider: Clipping Path Finder (CPF)

Based in New York, USA, Clipping Path Finder specializes in comprehensive photo editing, including:

• Color Replacement & Correction for products, fashion, automotive, and more
• Background Removal & Replacement
• Clipping Paths & Masking for precise color isolation
• Retouching & Enhancements
• Multi-Color Variants & Consistency Checks

Benefits of Using Clipping Path Finder:

• Expert team with industry experience
• Pixel-perfect hand-drawn edits
• Non-destructive color changing methods
• Suitable for e-commerce catalogs, marketing materials, and creative projects
• Affordable pricing plans and flexible packages
• Reliable, 24/7 client communication

FAQs About Changing Colors in Photoshop

What is the Replace Color feature?
It lets you globally target and adjust a specific color in your image.

Can I adjust color tolerance?
Yes, especially in the Color Replacement and Replace Color tools.

Where is the Color Replacement Tool?
It’s nested under the Brush Tool in the toolbar.

How to invert colors?
Go to Image > Adjustments > Invert (or press Ctrl/Cmd + I).

Can I change eye or hair color?
Absolutely—use the Brush Tool with Hue blend mode or Hue/Saturation.

Final Verdict

Photoshop offers countless ways to change object colors, each tailored to different levels of control and complexity. Whether you’re a DIY editor or a creative professional, mastering these tools can greatly enhance your workflow. Want flawless results with zero guesswork? Let the experts at Clipping Path Studio handle it for you.