In this tutorial I'll demonstrate how to apply an Unsharp Mask filter to just the edges of an image. Begin by opening the desired image. I used the one at left.
Duplicate the current layer (Ctrl+J) and add a layer mask (Layer > Add Layer Mask > Reveal All).
With the layer mask selected, use the Apply Image tool (Image > Apply Image) to apply the following properties:
Layer: Merged
Channel: RGB
Invert: Unchecked
Blending: Normal
Opacity: 100%
Click on the thumbnail of the top layer to deselect the layer mask. With the top layer selected, use the Unsharp Mask filter (Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask) to sharpen the image.
To improve the image quality, select the layer mask in the Layers pallet and apply a slight Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur).
The top-left image shows the result sharpening just the edges, while the one below was sharpened without a layer mask.
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