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Posterize an image (any tool, one click here)

Posterize cuts smooth tones into a few flat bands for a screen-print or poster look. The two ways to do it in the Editor, how to avoid speckled edges, and how to swap the bands for your own palette.

Beginner2 min readUpdated 27 September 2026Editor · Posterize adjustment and effect

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Clean posterize in the Editor

  1. Open the photo. Add a Blur adjustment at a low amount (2 to 4). This merges fine texture so the bands have clean edges.
  2. Add Curves and click More contrast so the bands separate clearly.
  3. Add Posterize from Image, Adjustments. Try Levels 3 to 6.
  4. For your own palette, add a Black and white adjustment below Posterize and a Gradient map above it with one stop per band: each grey step becomes one of your colours.
  5. For a two-colour screen-print look, use Threshold instead of Posterize: everything becomes one ink or paper.

Levels to use

LevelsLookUse
2 (or Threshold)One ink and paperStencils, screen print, stamps
3 to 4Bold poster bandsGig posters, pop art backgrounds
5 to 8Stylised photoSocial graphics, illustrations
12 and upSubtle bandingA retro, limited-colour feel

Why is my posterized image full of speckles?

Fine texture and noise sit on the boundary between two levels and flicker between them. Blur slightly before posterizing, or raise contrast so fewer pixels sit on a boundary.

How do I choose the colours of each band?

Convert to black and white, posterize, then add a Gradient map with one stop per band. Each grey step maps to the stop you set.

Open Effects

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