The most flexible way to change the color of an object in Photoshop is to select it, then add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. Use the Object Selection Tool (or Select > Subject) to select the object, click the Create new fill or adjustment layer button at the bottom of the Layers panel, choose Hue/Saturation, and drag the Hue slider until you like the color. Photoshop automatically masks the adjustment to your selection, so the rest of the image stays the same, and you can change it again any time.
Method 1: Hue/Saturation adjustment layer (recommended)
- Open your image and select the Object Selection Tool (it’s grouped with the Quick Selection and Magic Wand tools).
- Hover over the object and click it when it highlights, or drag a box around it. Refine the edges with Select and Mask if needed.
- At the bottom of the Layers panel, click the half-filled circle icon and choose Hue/Saturation.
- In the Properties panel, drag Hue to change the color. Adjust Saturation and Lightness to fine-tune it.
- For a specific color, or to recolor gray or white objects, check Colorize and then pick the hue.
To fix the mask, click the white mask thumbnail on the adjustment layer and paint with black to hide the color change or white to reveal it.
Method 2: Solid Color layer with the Color blend mode
Best when you need an exact color, like a brand color.
- Select the object.
- Click the adjustment layer icon and choose Solid Color. Pick your color and click OK.
- In the Layers panel, change the blend mode from Normal to Color. The object’s shading and texture show through the new color.
- Lower the layer’s Opacity if the color is too strong.
Method 3: Replace Color
Good for changing one color everywhere it appears.
- Duplicate your layer with Ctrl + J (Command + J on a Mac) so you keep the original.
- Choose Image > Adjustments > Replace Color.
- Click the color you want to change in the image. Adjust Fuzziness to include more or less of it.
- Drag the Hue, Saturation, and Lightness sliders, or click Result to pick a new color, then click OK.
Method 4: Color Replacement Tool
Select the Color Replacement Tool (grouped with the Brush tool), set your foreground color, and paint over the object. It keeps the texture while changing the color. It’s handy for small areas but less precise than an adjustment layer.
Tips for realistic results
- Recoloring works best on objects with mid-tone colors. Very dark or very light objects often need Colorize or the Solid Color method.
- Zoom in to check the edges, especially around hair, fur, or reflections.
- Keep changes on separate layers so you can undo or adjust them later.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change the color of just part of an object?
Select only that part before adding the adjustment layer, or paint the layer mask with black to exclude areas.
Why does the new color look washed out?
Raise Saturation, adjust Lightness, or try the Solid Color method with the Color blend mode.
Can I change the color of a white object?
Yes. Use Hue/Saturation with Colorize checked, or a Solid Color layer set to Multiply or Color, and lower the Lightness slightly.
Does this work in Photoshop Elements?
Yes. Elements has Hue/Saturation adjustment layers and Replace Color, though the menus are slightly different.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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