How to output two layers, two different files?

[Raymond_Herrera]

This falls in the Ultra-Newbie category. It is one of those homeworks that I assign myself, in order to learn Photoshop.

I found this puzzle and immediately thought "Photoshop to the rescue!"

https://drivepedia.com/trending/visual-differences-tb-2/ 

There is one pair, from Disney that is specially difficult. It contains only one difference. See images:

DisneylandDisneyworld

This is what I know so far:

(1) Open both images
(2) Copy image 1, paste it in the image 2 window/tab. A new layer is created.

(3) Opacity 50%, use the Move tool to place an image above the other.
(4) In order to avoid confusion, kill image 1.

What's next?

I will use Beyond Compare in my workflow, but ideally both images should have the same dimensions (not high requirement) and be perfectly aligned (extemely high requirement).

TIA,

-Ramon F. Herrera
JFK Numbers

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

Have you tried selecting both Layers and using

Edit > Auto-Align Layers

? 

[Raymond_Herrera]

Wow!

Like Magic World (pun intended).

Lemme see what else I can do on my own.

Don't go too far!   🙂

-Ramon
JFK Numbers

[stuart5CFE]

I have the same problem. I run a surveillance department in a casino and need a program to find differences in cards, specifically marked cards.

Would this program be able to find aa tiny mark just from photos?

I have included two cards, one with obvious mark but I need to be able to find the tinest dot.

BTW, i see a few differences in the pictures with my eyes,top flag missing form tallest spire on right pic,

missing window from left tower in left pic, missing pole on second from left tower in left pic. Not sure if that helps? haha.

[D Fosse]

First of all, it depends on the resolution of the originals. The difference has to be covered by more than just a few pixels.

Second, you cannot use jpegs. The jpeg compression algorithm creates artifacts in the pixel structure.

Third, obviously, there has to be a visible difference. But you can use extreme side-light (known as raking light) to reveal differences in surface texture.

If you have two good initial images, use Edit > Auto-Align. Go to 100% and check pixel alignment, it is sometimes necessary to nudge a pixel or two to get perfect alignment. Then put the top layer in "Difference" blend mode. Put a curves layer on top to exaggerate all differences.

Generally, if you can't see it, Photoshop can't find it. Your camera just captures visible wavelengths - unless you want to go IR or UV. That's possible with special cameras and filters.

[stuart5CFE]

Excellent, thanks. Im going to try that now.