For a More Professional Look! Now that you've mastered the basic operation of Mr. Retro's Machine Wash Filters, check out these tips for creating a wider range of effects. Advanced Filter Scaling After you've selected a filter to apply to your image, you can scale the filter to the exact size of your selection or image, or enlarge the filter beyond the canvas to apply a larger, more detailed texture to your active layer. To preview scaling variations, expand the canvas size before applying the filter. Run the filter action and scale the filter to fill the enlarged canvas. Next, unlink the layer mask on the completed layer by clicking the link icon between the active image and the mask layer and select the layer mask on the right hand side. Reposition the mask using the Move Tool from the Tools palette to preview various areas of the applied filter over your active image before cropping your canvas size back down to its original size. Advanced Filter Orientation Once the filter action has completed its cycle, you can change the orientation of the filter in the active image. Start by unlinking the layer mask on the completed layer by clicking the link icon between the active image and the mask layer and select the layer mask on the right hand side. Next, flip the mask vertically, horizontally, or simply rotate the mask in 90 to 180 degree increments using the Transform option under the Edit menu. Advanced Filter Strength Control After your filter action is completed, should you desire a stronger or weaker filter impression, you can adjust filter strength with several built-in tools within Photoshop. Start by unlinking the layer mask on the completed layer by clicking the link icon between the active image and the mask layer and select the layer mask on the right hand side. In the main menu under Image > Adjust(ments), use the Brightness/Contrast function to change the overall intensity of the filter, or use the Levels function to manipulate the light, mid, and dark tones in the applied mask. Advanced Filter Inversion Depending on the heaviness and tone of the distress, you can invert the layer mask, and create new distress effects. Start by unlinking the layer mask on the completed layer by clicking the link icon between the active image and the mask layer and select the layer mask on the right hand side. Next, in the Image > Adjust(ments) menu, use the Invert function to reverse the effect of the filter. Not all Machine Wash Filters work well in this manner, but some do. Advanced Double Filtering If you are looking to add even more filters to your design, you can choose to combine filter effects to create a totally unique look. To begin, we'll need to merge the active image with its layer mask. Start by selecting the layer mask. In the Layer menu click Remove Layer Mask > Apply and your active image will be merged with the filter effect applied. Please note once you've merged the image filter effect, it cannot be undone. We recommend you duplicate the layer before you perform this function. Next, simply run your desired Machine Wash Action as usual and behold the results!