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How to use the Sharpen tool

The Sharpen tool adds crispness only where you paint, such as eyes, lettering or the edges of a product.

Where to find it

It is in the toolbar, in one slot with Blur and Smudge. Right-click the slot, or press and hold it, to choose between them. It has no shortcut key.

How to use it

Choose the tool. Right-click the drop icon in the toolbar and pick Sharpen. It has no shortcut key.
Turn on Protect Detail. Leave Protect Detail on to keep noise and halos down.
Paint lightly. Drag over the details. Go over them again only if they need more.

The Sharpen tool brush over the spokes of a bicycle wheel — Screenshot from the editor, 13 November 2026.

Options bar settings

Size and Hardness: The brush diameter and how soft its edge is.
Strength: How much each stroke sharpens.
Protect Detail: Holds back noise and bright edges so the result stays natural.
Pressure: Pen pressure changes the size.

Tips and common mistakes

Sharpening too much makes grainy speckles and white outlines. View at 100% to judge it.
Hold Alt (Option on a Mac) to blur instead.

Related

Photostar is a free online Photoshop alternative that runs in your browser. There is no account to make, and your files stay on your device.

Checked 13 November 2026 in the current editor.

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