The Selective Tone Tool

The Selective Tone tool in DxO PhotoLab gives you precise control over your image brightness by dividing exposure adjustments into separate tonal regions. Instead of making one global exposure correction, you can independently adjust highlights, midtones, shadows, blacks, and whites to create a far more balanced and natural-looking image. In this tutorial, we'll explore how the Selective Tone sliders work, when to use each adjustment, and how subtle changes can dramatically improve your photographs. Whether you're recovering blown highlights, opening shadow detail, or adding depth and contrast, Selective Tone is one of the most powerful tools in DxO PhotoLab for refining exposure and tonal balance. You'll learn: How each Selective Tone slider affects your image The difference between global exposure and tonal adjustments Techniques for recovering detail in bright skies and dark shadows How to avoid flat or overprocessed results Tips for creating natural contrast and depth When to combine Selective Tone with Smart Lighting and ClearView Plus If you've struggled with difficult lighting conditions or want more professional-looking edits, mastering Selective Tone can completely change your workflow.