Previewing and applying filters

Applying filters--especially to large images--can be time-consuming. Some filters let you preview the effect before applying it.

To save time when trying various filters, experiment on a small, representative part of your image.

To preview and apply a filter:

1. To apply a filter to an area of a layer, select that area. To apply a filter to the entire layer, leave the image unselected.
2. Choose a filter from the submenus in the Filter menu. If a filter name is followed by ellipses (...), a dialog box appears.
3. If a dialog box appears, enter values or select options.
4. If the dialog box contains a preview window, use the following methods to preview the effect:
• If the dialog box contains sliders, hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS) while dragging a slider to see a real-time preview (real-time rendering) of the effect.
• Click in the image window to center a specific area of the image in the preview window.

Note: This does not work with all preview windows.

• Drag in the preview window to center a specific area of the image in the window.
• Use the + or - button under the preview window to zoom in or zoom out on the preview.

A flashing line beneath the preview size indicates that the preview is still being rendered.

5. If available, select the Preview option to preview the filter effect on the entire image.

A progress indicator in the status bar (Windows) or progress bar (Mac OS) lets you gauge the time remaining until the filter is applied.