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Participant
December 3, 2021
Question

Duplicated Layer - non-destructive way?

  • December 3, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 326 views

I have image where I need to use spot healing brush tool. If I duplicate this image by using "Duplicate Layer" -command, and I do all the changes to that duplicated layer, is that non-destructive way? I need to keep original image untouched. 

 

After that I will do some image brightening and color improvement, where I will use Adjustment Layer. I know that Adjustment Layer is non-destructive way but I wonder is Duplicated Layer also non-destructive way.

 

Thank you so much for answers and sorry about my english skills 🙂 

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2 replies

D Fosse
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 3, 2021

There's a bit of semantics involved here. As long as you keep the original, no, it's not "destructive" as such. You can still go back.

 

However, the term "non-destructive" is mostly used with the specific meaning re-editable - meaning you can reopen the adjustment and tweak the settings. So in that sense, a duplicate layer is not non-destructive.

 

Peronally, I never liked that term "non-destructive", because it confuses the issue. "Re-editable" is much more to the point.

 

Nothing is ever destructive as long as you can go back to an original state.

Ged_Traynor
Community Expert
Community Expert
December 3, 2021

Hi

No need to duplicate the layer, just create a new layer and with the Spot Healing Brush selected, enable Sample All Layers on the options bar, you can work non destructively on the new layer and create as many new layers as you need