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NewUserJohn
Participant
November 28, 2016
Answered

Layers question

  • November 28, 2016
  • 1 reply
  • 315 views

When I duplicate the background layer, and then begin working in the new layer (layers, curves, etc.), the background layer changes as well.  In other words, the two layers appear identical.  Am I doing something incorrectly?

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer Chuck Uebele

    Are you using an adjustment layer like the below screen shot?

    Or are you applying the adjustment directly to the layer, as in the next screen shot? Are both layer thumbnails changing with the adjustment?


    There are a couple ways to make changes to just one or some layers. If you want to adjust just one layer, you can clip the adjustment layer to the layer by holding down the opt/alt key and clicking between the two layers in the layer panel - I added a layer mask so you can see the difference:

    You can also put several layers in a group and change the groups blend mode to normal, or something other than pass through.

    1 reply

    Chuck Uebele
    Community Expert
    Chuck UebeleCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 28, 2016

    Can you show a screen shot? the background layer will also change if you have adjustment layers above it that change everything below. If you apply curves just to the copy of the background layer, then the original background layer shouldn't change.

    N
    NewUserJohnAuthor
    Participant
    November 28, 2016

    I tried but ended up doing several screen shots and my reply became a bit complicated. If Windows 10 had a screen video capture utility it might be easier. Put simply, I open an image, and begin with a background layer. I right click and duplicate the layer. Then, when for example I adjust levels or curves in the duplicate layer, the same adjustments are made to the background layer. Maddening to say the least and I know its user error.

    Chuck Uebele
    Community Expert
    Chuck UebeleCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 28, 2016

    Are you using an adjustment layer like the below screen shot?

    Or are you applying the adjustment directly to the layer, as in the next screen shot? Are both layer thumbnails changing with the adjustment?

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