Unsharp mask as an adjustment layer

[Lasse C]

Hello, dear forum friends!
Since I learned how to use layers in Elements 3.0, I've been trying to find a way to use unsharp mask as an adjustment layer. As it is now, the only way I know how to use it, is to apply it to a layer that is an actual image. After that, I can't go back and change it, for exampel decrease the amount if I later discovered the edited image was to sharp, like I can if I have used for example saturation. Then I can easily doubleclick that layer and simply adjust the saturation.
Now, when I want to use unsharp mask, I usually duplicate that layer, having one of them as the original, although not visible, and apply unsharp mask to the copy of the layer. That way, if I'm not pleased with the result or for whatever reason, I can go back later, delete the layer with the unsharp mask applied to it, duplicate the original layer and apply unsharp mask to the new copy.
This seems a very clumsy and awkward way to reach the flexibility I have when using the adjustment layers.
I can see no reason why unsharp mask can't be used with the same flexibility an adjustment layer offers. After all, it's all a piece of math, in either case.
I would very much appreciate if someone would teach me how to do this, if it is possible. It should be, but I haven't found out how.

Many thanks in advance.
Lasse C

[Daviskw]

Hi there

I usually apply unsharp mask as the last step before printing.

But.. why not duplicate your layer... name it sharpen... then apply say a 50%, 0.5, 0 unsharp mask. Then apply it a few times more with ctrl F, the idea is to have way more than needed.

Then all you need do is adjust the opacity setting as desirable.

Butch

[Lasse C]

Thank you, Butch!

I understand how you mean and I've thought of the idea myself of really tweaking it up and then use opacity to adjust it to a suiteble level, but is it really the same thing? Say you turn it up double what you want and then use 50% opacity. If it works it's great but I've been worried it might look weird. Of course I should try before I say anything else, but it still doesn't give that total flexibility I would like to have, for afterediting, as the adjustmentlayers do. By the way, does unsharp mask and other filters function like adjustmentlayers or in another more flexibility way in Photoshop 7.0? I've been thinking about really open my wallet and buy it, for a lot of reasons, curves, liquify and other great stuff that I probably haven't even thought of. But thank you for the advice. I will definitely try it out. Maybe if I zoom in enough I can compare two images and see if the opacity adjusting method differs from the usual one.

Thanks!
Lasse C

[Wendy]

Hi Lasse ...

Unsharpen mask is identical in Photoshop and Elements ... and I'm afraid that there is no adjustment layers for filters either :(

Wendy

[Michael Perham]

Hi Lasse ...

Unsharpen mask is identical in Photoshop and Elements ... and I'm afraid that there is no adjustment layers for filters either :(

Wendy

Is there a way one can create a flattened image as a new layer, but without actually flatening (destroying) your layers and just sharpen that ...effectivly creating a sharpening layer?

I seem to recall seeing somewhere how that could be done ...not sure if in PSE or CS2.

Mike.

[Lasse C]

Hi!
I totally agree with the word "destroying" layers, Mike. Especially when you work bit by bit, day by day, week by week with pictures containing lots of small images as layers. I don't want to destroy my image layers, nor do I want to have to duplicate every single image layer that I want to apply a filter to, sharpening for instance. I mean, that's the point with working with layers, isn't it? One of them anyway, to keep the original images intact while trying different editings.
Unfortuanally, I think you're right, Wendy. But I thought professional image editors used Photoshop 7.0 and CS2. How can they stand the tedious work resulting from not being able to apply filters as layers with layer masks, easy to edit and experiment with as they work, like you can with levels, for instance?
Maybe there are ways other then destroying image layers or endig up with countless duplications of image layers. I'm not an experienced user, after all. There seem to be new tricks and smart methods to be discovered all the time.
I would really like to hear more of your opinions and tips about this topic.

Thanks!
Lasse C

[PaulH]

http://www.retouchpro.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3844&highlight=high+pass

That is one way - I tried it on one pic, one time and could not tell enough difference to see an advantage. There are a few variations of this also.

Basically one ends up with one layer with the dark edge and one with the light edge. I need to see a demo with good samples.

Going from memory (not following the item) I think one still has to make a new layer - the make two adjustment layers. I will try this again sometime on an image with bricks,mortar and lines and see if it looks any better.

I always seem to need more or to over sharpen brick buildings.

[Wendy]

Hi there ...

Just make a copy of visible layers

Select>All
Edit>Copy Merged
Edit>Paste

and then do the sharpening on that layer ... your original layers will remain intact beneath it :)

Wendy

[jwhitten]

You can also create an empty layer on top of your layers and then press CTRL / ALT / SHIFT / E to merge the visible layers into one.

Joe