Tool manual

How to use the Dodge tool

The Dodge tool lightens the areas you paint over, like the darkroom trick of holding back light from part of a print.

Where to find it

It is in the toolbar, in one slot with Burn and Sponge. Right-click the slot, or press and hold it, to choose between them. Press O to pick it, and Shift+O to step through the other tools on that key.

How to use it

1. Choose the tool. Press O, or click the paddle icon in the toolbar.
2. Pick a range. Choose Midtones for most jobs, Shadows to open up dark areas, or Highlights for bright ones.
3. Set a low Exposure. Start around 10 to 20% so the change builds up gently.
4. Paint. Brush over the areas to lighten. Each stroke goes up to the exposure; paint again for more.

Options bar settings

• Size and Hardness: The brush diameter and how soft its edge is. Soft brushes hide the strokes.
• Shadows, Midtones, Highlights: Which tones change most.
• Exposure: How much each stroke lightens.
• Protect Tones: Changes brightness only, so colours keep their hue and do not wash out.
• Pressure: Pen pressure changes the size.

Tips and common mistakes

• Hold Alt (Option on a Mac) to burn instead.
• For a change you can undo at any time, paint on a 50% grey layer set to Overlay with a soft brush instead.

Related

• How to use the Burn tool
• How to use the Sponge tool
• How to use the Brush tool

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Checked 13 November 2026 in the current editor.

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