AI Frequency Separation Retouching

Frequency Separation is a retouching technique that separates texture (high frequency) and color/tone (low frequency) into different layers, allowing you to edit each independently.

It involves duplicating an image into two layers: one retains fine details (high frequency), while the other smooths out tones and colors (low frequency). This separation makes targeted edits easier and more precise.

Skin retouching with Frequency Separation allows you to smooth out uneven tones or blemishes on the low frequency layer while preserving natural skin texture on the high frequency layer.

Compared to traditional methods, frequency separation offers more control and precision. It allows for targeted adjustments to texture or tone/color without negatively impacting the other. This results in more natural-looking retouches, especially for skin, as you can smooth texture without flattening the highlights and shadows that give skin its three-dimensional appearance. Traditional methods often blur both texture and tone together, leading to a loss of detail and a less realistic outcome.

In Photoshop, Frequency Separation requires manual setup using duplicated layers, Gaussian blur, and Apply Image — which can be time-consuming and technical. Evoto AI automates this process with built-in AI-powered frequency separation, offering precise skin retouching with adjustable intensity, texture preservation, and real-time preview — all without needing complex layer work. It’s designed for speed, simplicity, and consistent professional results.

It’s especially helpful in portrait retouching, product photography, and beauty edits where you need to correct skin or surface flaws without sacrificing natural detail.

To keep your retouching natural, focus on subtlety. When blending tones on the low frequency layer, avoid over-smoothing. On the high frequency layer, only fix distracting texture issues—don’t remove all skin texture. Zoom in to retouch details precisely, but regularly zoom out to assess the overall look. Most importantly, aim to enhance rather than perfect—the goal is polished, not plastic.

Yes, frequency separation can be done on  iPad using Evoto AI photo editing tool, and the Evoto iPad app is specifically designed with powerful retouching features, including frequency separation.

Evoto AI simplifies frequency separation by automating the entire process—no need to manually create layers or apply complex filters. With just a few sliders, you can adjust skin smoothness and texture while preserving natural details. The AI intelligently separates tone and texture, allowing for fast, non-destructive edits without the learning curve of traditional software like Photoshop. It’s perfect for both beginners and professionals who want high-quality results in less time.

Yes, Evoto's skin retouching toolkit includes frequency separation,and at Evoto, you can try out all features, including Frequency Separation, for free. The only limitation with the free plan is that image exporting is restricted. If you edit photos frequently or need to export a large number of images, we recommend considering our pricing plans.