Filters as Adjustment Layers

[guillebravolujan]

This would be a total gamechanger and completely change my workflow: the ability of applying filters such as Camera Raw or a simple Gaussian Blur to an adjustment layer would save so much time- talking about this given the new Clarity/Remove fog/Noise/Temperature-tint adjustment layers update that's been announced on Instagram. It's something the competence (Affinity Photo) does have and it's amazing. As for how it'd work- it would probably have to be just a "Smart Filter Adjustment Layer" which applies to all the layers below (something similar to After Effects)- same thing for previsualization of the effect, all the layers below. Live changes would be amazing. This would probably consume a lot of cpu so, in that case, it could be added as something optional to activate in preferences if you have a good PC/Mac. Would LOVE to see this happen. 

[rayek.elfin]

Agreed. I switched to PhotoLine years and years ago and benefits are having filter adjustment layers that work directly in the layer stack rather than having to rely on the awkward Smart Objects workflow at all times (which is also possible in PhotoLine, rather than enforced ). 

 

Photoshop's layer stack is quite limiting because it restricts non=destructive editing of direct layer actions: 

- only one bitmap and/or one vector layer mask per layer. 

- not possible to use filters directly as adjustment layers.

- not possible to use adjustment layers directly on Smart Filters.

- not possible to use a negative layer opacity (to invert the effect)

- not possible to use a layer opacity beyond 100% (or beyond -100%)

- not possible to use smart filters on smart filters.

- not possible to use adjustment layers direclty on layer masks 

- not possible to use smart filters directly on layer masks

- not possible to limit smart filters only to a specific channel

- not possible to copy a smart filter layer or move it around in the layer stack

- anything non-destructive (other than adjustment layers and layer effects) must be handled via awkward Smart Objects.

- not possible to instantiate and re-use any layer, adjustment layer, filter layer, layer mask, group, etc. directly and keeping the link between the original and the instanced layers. Or apply these to drive layer masks, adjustment layers, filter layers, etcetera. Change the source adjustment or filter layer and have those changes cascade throughout.

- the reliance on clipping masks

- not possible to directly edit Smart Objects and view the changes/results in real-time.

- non-destructive channel handling in the layer stack is quite limited in scope.

...and so on. 

Sure, there are workarounds up to a point by using clipping masks and the extensive use of Smart Objects. But it just complicates the basic compositing workflow unnecessarily, and the channel workflow tends to be rather destructive. Compared, PhotoLine is like a breath of fresh air. Many Photoshop users just... don't know about how much Photoshop's layer stack workflow could be improved, because --well-- they have never known anything else. After Effects is a good example of what is possible (but After Effects is dead slow).

The core layer stack workflow has remained the same for a looong time now in Photoshop. Surely it is showing its age, and I do agree it is time for an update in this area. Once you've seen what is possible in PhotoLine, it is impossible to unsee it. I am not saying PhotoLine is perfect (it is not). But Oh! If only Photoshop would offer half of what is possible in PhotoLine's layer stack. 

Shht! Quiet! See? Adobe's Photoshop team is resting on their laurels.

Let's not disturb them with these inconvenient requests. 😉

[c.pfaffenbichler]

@rayek.elfin , please upvote the Feature Request. 

I agree, Filter Layers could be a huge improvement to Photoshop, but the application being as old as it is I am not extremely optimistic about a timely implementation because it might just clash with the whole basis of how Photoshop Layers operate.