Reading CMYK Values while adding a Adjustment Layer

[eja]

I have added a Curves adjustment layer and wanted to adjust the skin tones of the image by either removing green or adding blue etc...In this example, I added enough green so I can see the change on the screen. However, when I use the dropper tool and sample an area of the skin it does not show a change in the CMYK values.

If I don't use an adjustment layer and use "Adjust/Color/RED,Green,Blue" I can see the results on screen and also detect them when using the dropper tool.

I'm assuming that PSP 2022 is working correctly. Is there a way to use an Adjustment layer so that the changes can be detected with the Eye dropper tool without having to merge the two layers together?

Also, is there a way to put an anchor point on the image so that when I am changing the color using either of the methods above, I can see the CMYK values update in real time?

Thanks

[LeviFiction]

On the eye-dropper tool you can see a checkbox "use all layers" this samples like it's a merged image. Is this sufficient?

[Jean-Luc]

A CMYK Dropper is not the appropriate tool when trying to correct a digital photo. Digital cameras are working in RGB (the Bayer filter is RGB). The computer screen is RGB (made of red, green, and blue pixels). A photo file (JPG or other) contains only RGB values. Only a printed photo (on paper) is CMYK. InkJet or laser printers use CMYK inks.

In a raster software like PSP, tools are using RGB. The Levels tool shows only RGB values. You can select the blue, red, or green layer but not the magenta or black layer.

If you try to correct a color cast in a photo, RGB values may show when the color is neutral. Neutral means that the reg, green and blue values of a real grey area are equal values. A CMYK dropper cannot show neutral values. Do the following test: in your screen capture, use the Dropper tool set to RGB and measure the grey of the Learning Center / Dropper tool right pane. It shows Red 112, Green 112, and Blue 112. The values are equal because the background grey is a pure grey, without a color cast. If the green would be a little greenish, the value could be R112 G120 B112. You would see immediately that there is too much green. Now, switch the Dropper tool to CMYK and do the same measure. You will get Cyan 56%, Magenta 44%, Yellow 42%, and Black 24%. It is not possible with those values to estimate a neutral color.

In your image, I suppose that the background behind the girl is white and not pink or cream. I suggest you use the White Balance tool to neutralize that color (see screen capture). The overall color cast will be corrected.

After that, I suggest using the Histogram Adjustment tool to finalize the correction of the tones.

[eja]

Thanks for the input. I'll give that a try.

EJ