Static editor · Adjustments · 2 min read

Tune tones with Curves

Brighten, darken or add contrast with the Curves graph. Add points to the line, drag them, and reset the graph when you want to start over.

By Ruslan Latypov · Updated Oct 20, 2026

Open Curves

With your mockup open in Static, find Curves in the right panel, under Effects, and click it. A square graph opens with a straight diagonal line. The bottom left is the darkest tone, the top right is the brightest, and a straight line leaves the picture unchanged.

The Curves section open, showing a graph with a straight diagonal line and a point at each end — A straight line means no change.

Add a point

Click the line in the lower left, about a quarter of the way up. A point appears. A circular arrow also appears next to the Curves heading.

A new filled point on the lower part of the diagonal line in the Curves graph — Click the line to add a point.

Darken the shadows

Drag the new point down. The line bends below the diagonal, and the picture gets darker in the lower tones right away.

The point pulled below the diagonal, and the grey background in the scene darker — Pulling a point down darkens that tone range.

Lift the highlights

Click the line near the top right, then drag that point up a little. The line now forms an S, and the bright parts get brighter. This is the classic way to add contrast.

The Curves graph bent into an S with one point low on the left and one high on the right, over a higher-contrast scene — An S-shaped curve adds contrast.

Compare the result

Look at the whole picture. The first image is the original, the second has the S-curve applied: deeper shadows and a brighter background.

The watch scene before any curve, with softer contrast and the Curves graph closed — Before: a flat, soft picture.

The same scene with the S-curve applied: darker arm, brighter background, and the open Curves graph on the right — After: deeper shadows and brighter highlights.

Reset the curve

To go back to a straight line, click the circular arrow next to the Curves heading. The points disappear and the picture returns to its original tones.

The Curves graph back to a straight diagonal line after the reset, and the original tones on the canvas — The reset arrow restores the straight line.

Questions

Where is Curves?

In the right panel, under Effects. Click Curves to open the graph.

How do I add contrast?

Add a point in the lower left and drag it down, then add a point near the top right and drag it up a little. The line forms an S, which is the classic way to add contrast.

How do I remove a point?

Double-click the point. The curve smooths out again.

How do I reset the curve?

Click the circular arrow next to the Curves heading. The points disappear and the picture returns to its original tones.

What does the straight line mean?

A straight diagonal line leaves the picture unchanged. The bottom left is the darkest tone and the top right is the brightest.