Layers

[ronf]

Hi

I am really getting the hang of layers but am wondering why there are no layer for "shadows/highlights" or for most of the filters like the "unsharp mask". Am I missing something since I want to be able to create a layer with either of these two tools that would later allow me to go back and readjust them? At this point, when I use them, the change becomes permanent.

Thanks

Ron

[Wendy]

Ron,

The filters are applied directly to your image ... so its not possible to go back to them later and adjust. However what you can do is duplicate the layer and then apply the filter ... that way you still have an original layer if you change your mind about the filter.


Wendy

[Matt K]

Hi Ron,
Wendy's idea is definitely a good one. Another good idea is to be sure you have as many history states enabled as your computer can handle. If you choose Edit > Preferences > General you'll see a setting for "history states". By default it probably says 50. This is a good number but you can increase it if you find this isn't enough. This will enable you to go back through your image if you find you've applied settings you don't like. A combination of Wendy's tip and this will probably work best.

[ronf]

Wendy & Matt

Thanks for the good ideas. Now I'm just not sure how to make another duplicate layer. Currently I have the base layer followed by a duplicate layer (for contrast adjustment and blemish removal), followed by a hue/saturation layer (to brighten a smile). At this point, I want to sharpen the entire image. However, when I "duplicate" a layer, I get another hue layer with the mask (the teeth) set. How do i generate a layer that will let me sharpen all of the modified pixels in the image.

Thanks again

Ron

[Jodi Frye]

ronf, you could do a a 'stamp visible' ctrl+alt+shift+E

create a new layer above all your layers and do the stamp visible. Your layers below will remain intact so you can always go back and adjust and repeat the process if need be. It's quick and harmless.

[Mary]

I have written that function down - I had no idea that was even possible. Thanks Jodi!

[ronf]

Jodi

Wow - that worked great! After looking around in the help, I found that keyboard shortcut to be "Merge a copy of all visible layers into target layer"

Perfect!

Thanks

Ron

[Jodi Frye]

ronf, great !...glad it worked for you

ya I haven't been on top of what they call things these daze :)

[Jodi Frye]

Hi Mary, ya....lots of 'possible' stuff in the program. Just a matter of fiddlin with it ;)

[jrevere]

If you have the disk space, you can save one uncropped .psd with layers and a second copy cropped, flattened and sharpened.