Photoshop Tip: How to Separate Color Channels as Groups

How to separate color channels as groups in Adobe Photoshop.

Photoshop Tip: How to Separate Color Channels as Groups

Did you know you can separate color channels as groups in Adobe Photoshop?


This allows you to have complex layer structures on each channel rather than working destructively on a single layer.

How to Separate Color Channels as Groups in Adobe Photoshop

Follow these steps to pack your channels:

1: Create an all black layer as a base

2: Create a Group and add another all black layer inside

3: Add a Solid Color layer and pick Red.

4: Set the Solid Color layer's blend mode as Multiply

5: Set the group's blend mode as Linear Dodge (Add)

6: Duplicate the group twice and change the color layer for Green and Blue

7: Draw on an empty layer between the Black layer and the Solid Color layer using a white brush. The solid color layer will ensure it uses the correct color already, and the groups will add together into a color packed image.

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