Learn how to manipulate images using smart filters and the Liquify tool in Photoshop, with a comprehensive tutorial that includes applying filters to smart objects, manipulating facial features, and editing smart filters.
This exercise is excerpted from Noble Desktop’s Adobe Photoshop training materials and is compatible with Photoshop updates through 2023. To learn current skills in Photoshop with hands-on training, check out our Photoshop Bootcamp, Graphic Design Certificate, and graphic design classes in-person and live online.
Note: These materials are provided to give prospective students a sense of how we structure our class exercises and supplementary materials. During the course, you will get access to the accompanying class files, live instructor demonstrations, and hands-on instruction.
Topics covered in this Photoshop tutorial:
Smart Objects & Smart Filters, The Liquify Filter: Facial Features, Editing the Smart Filter: Using Liquify to Push Pixels
Exercise Preview
Photo from Pixabay
Exercise Overview
Photoshop’s Liquify filter enables you to push pixels around like they are a liquid. In this exercise, you’ll explore the facial recognition features in the Liquify filter.
Smart Objects & Smart Filters
If we apply a filter directly to a regular pixel-based layer, that is a destructive change meaning we cannot go back and make changes. To use filters in a non-destructive way (so we don’t change the original pixels, and so we can go back and make changes layer) we can use Smart Filters. A smart filter is applied when you apply a filter to a smart object.
- From the Photoshop Class folder, open the 3B Portrait man.jpg file.
- In the Layers panel notice there’s only one layer, which we want to apply a filter to.
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There are multiple ways to convert a layer(s) to a smart object, but this time go into the Filter menu and choose Convert for Smart Filters.
If you see a message about enabling re-editable smart filters, click OK.
In the Layers panel, double–click on the layer name and change it to portrait.
The Liquify Filter: Facial Features
- Go into the Filter menu and choose Liquify.
- This filter has it’s own new tools panel. On the left, choose the Face tool
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Hover over nose and notice 3 white control dots appear.
- Drag the middle dot up and down to change the length of the nose.
- Grab either the left or right dot and drag left/right to change the nose width.
- On the right of the window, notice the numeric controls for Nose Height and Nose Width, which are the two things you just changed.
- Continue experimenting by hovering over the eyes, mouth, outside of the face, etc. and dragging the white control dots, or using the properties on the right.
- To see your progress (before and after) hit P your keyboard multiple times (or uncheck and then re-check on Preview at the bottom right of the window).
When done, click OK.
Editing the Smart Filter: Using Liquify to Push Pixels
- Because we applied this filter as a smart filter (meaning we applied it to a smart object), look in the Layers panel and you’ll see Liquify listed there.
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In the Layers panel, double–click on Liquify to re-open the filter.
Notice all your previous changes are still here.
The Liquify filter can also push pixels around like a liquid, enabling you to make some very unique adjustments. Let’s see how that works.
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In the Tools panel choose the Forward Warp tool
.The black jacket on the right is a weird shape. Let’s see how to push it down.
- At the top right set the Brush Size to 900
- On the photo, drag the black jacket’s edge down and left slightly.
- Once you move it some, you’ll probably need to reduce the brush size a bit (use the
[or]keys) and then continue adjusting the jacket’s shape. - To see your progress (before and after) hit P on your keyboard multiple times (or uncheck and then re-check on Preview at the bottom right of the window).
When done, click OK.
Editing the Contents of the Smart Object (the Photo)
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To make changes to the original photo, we must open the smart object. In the Layers panel, double–click on the layer thumbnail (to the left of the layer name).
- If you see a message (about saving after editing the contents), click OK.
- Notice the original photo layer will open in a separate window (where you do NOT see the affects of the Liquify filter).
- Press Cmd–J (Mac) or Ctrl–J (Windows) to duplicate the current layer.
- Name the new layer retouching.
- In the Tools panel choose the Spot Healing Brush tool
. - Remove a few of the wrinkles on his face.
- Do a File > Save.
Do a File > Close to return to the file with Liquify. Notice the liquify effect has been applied to the revised photo with wrinkles removed.
Saving as a Photoshop File
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To save this, choose File > Save As and:
- Make sure Format (Mac) or Save as type (Windows) is set to Photoshop.
- Name the file yourname-Portrait man.psd and click Save.
NOTE: Remember that a .psd is a fully editable layered document that you can make changes to later on. If you’re taking this image into InDesign, you don’t have to do anything else, as InDesign can import/print the .psd file. For further explanation, refer to the Print File Formats reference at the back of this workbook.