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André36678699dyam
Known Participant
February 8, 2026
Answered

when using the Liquify filter, there is a possibility that a separate layer

  • February 8, 2026
  • 3 replies
  • 41 views

when using the Liquify filter, there is a possibility that a separate layer is created for this. I always make a copy of the original layer first.

      Correct answer c.pfaffenbichler

      Why don’t you apply the Filter Liquify as a Smart Filter? 

      That way both the result and the unedited pixel content are available. 

      3 replies

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 9, 2026

      One of the points of using Smart Filters to maintain edibility (across sessions). 

      Liquify does have a peculiarity, though; the Mesh references the document dimensions so moving or transforming the Smart Object or changing the Canvas Size will result in unintended changes. 

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 9, 2026

      Whether you find it relevant or not, that's fine, but I disagree.

      It should be an adjustment layer like Curve, for example.

      If you save the document as a PSD file and want to continue editing the next day, you can't do that with bleed. It's permanent. Did you actually read what chatgpt says about this? I've included that.

      I'll leave it at that. Have a nice day.

      I read the post with the Chat GPT text and as mentioned previously there was at least one problem. 

       

      The Filter Liquify applied as a Smart Filter can be edited further the next day, the next week, whatever – just like a Curves Adjustment Layer. 

      Anyway I am not sure what you mean – are you talking about changing the Canvas? 

      Please explain what the actual problem is. (edit: Ideally with screenshots including the pertinent Panels and Dialog windows.) 

      c.pfaffenbichler
      Community Expert
      c.pfaffenbichlerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      February 8, 2026

      Why don’t you apply the Filter Liquify as a Smart Filter? 

      That way both the result and the unedited pixel content are available. 

      A
      André36678699dyamAuthor
      Known Participant
      February 8, 2026

      gonna give it a try thanks!

      A
      André36678699dyamAuthor
      Known Participant
      February 9, 2026

      i asked chatgpt tried it but it can’t be done
      so Adobe has to fix it if that’s possible..

       

      Why previous Liquify edits cannot be restored

      Liquify does NOT store history between sessions. This is fundamental to how the Liquify engine

      works. Once you click OK, Liquify permanently commits the distortion and its internal history is

      discarded. Reopening Liquify always starts a new, empty session. This behavior applies even

      when: - Using Smart Objects - Using Smart Filters - GPU is enabled or disabled - The Liquify

      window opens correctly Why Reconstruct no longer works

      The Reconstruct tool only works while the same Liquify session is still open. As soon as you: - Click

      OK - Close Photoshop - Reopen the Liquify filter Liquify no longer knows what the original shape

      was. Smart Filters store only the final result, not the Liquify mesh data. Common

      misunderstanding

      Many users assume that Smart Filters make Liquify fully reversible. This is not the case. Liquify is

      mesh-based, state-less, and destructive within its own environment. Smart Filters remember that

      Liquify was applied, not how it was applied. What IS possible

      1. Smart Filter Mask: You can paint black on the Smart Filter mask to locally restore the original

      image. This is selective masking, not true reconstruction. 2. Professional workflow: Duplicate the

      layer, convert to Smart Object, apply Liquify, and never reopen Liquify to undo. If unsure, duplicate

      again and reapply Liquify. 3. Step-based Liquify: Apply Liquify in multiple smaller steps, each on its

      own Smart Object. This allows returning to earlier stages safely. What is NOT possible

      - Restoring Liquify edits after clicking OK - Reconstructing previous sessions - Saving Liquify

      history - Enabling a hidden Advanced Mode These features do not exist. Why Adobe has not

      fixed this

      Liquify uses legacy code from before Smart Objects existed. Rewriting it would require a complete

      new engine. Adobe focuses development on Neural Filters and generative tools instead.

      Conclusion

      You did nothing wrong. Your Mac and GPU are not the problem. Liquify cannot restore previous

      edits after confirmation. The only true control happens before clicking OK.

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