I use it on a duplicate layer. There was a discussion with some of the developers concerning why the tool couldn't be used on an adjustment layer - a bunch of technical reasons that, frankly, were beyond my grasp or need to know.
Layers also increase the size of a file and the save time, especially when using TIFF files. Using a PSD file with layers usually results in smaller file sizes on disk compared to TIFF and, for many people, open and save faster in many instances. Of course, this is on a PC, although I don't imagine a Mac would be much, if any, different. Depending on the number and type of layers, I see anywhere from a 15% to a 50% reduction in file size with PSD compared to TIFF, mostly in the 25% or so range. Shel > [Original Message] > From: Godfrey DiGiorgi > Hmm. Well, you can use selections and masks, but you can use them on > anything. I just read the documentation on it and also looked at a > couple of website tutorials. It looks like it has some ability to > automate what I do with adjustment layers, curves and masks, but why > they didn't put it in an adjustment layer I don't know. Adjustment > layers allow you to make corrections without touching the original > data. The only way I'd use this tool is the same way I use sharpening > and noise reduction tools ... make a layer copy of the original image > first, then operate on that layer copy. It increases the size of the > files and the save time. > > I like to be able to go all the way back to the original RAW-converted > image at any time in my adjustment workflow to see exactly what the > rendering adjustments have done. Easy with adjustment layers, a pain > when you are modifying the original data. > > I'll play with it a little more. Sometimes I wonder about all these > more automated image-processing tools... I like knowing exactly what a > given tool is doing. > > Godfrey > > > On Apr 11, 2005, at 9:06 PM, Shel Belinkoff wrote: > > > Godfrey, > > > > You can use a selection and mask in Shadows/Highlights as well, and, at > > least for me, the results can sometimes be superior to levels and > > curves - > > far superior. IAC, it's another tool that can help you achieve good > > results - you really should give it a try. > > > > Shel > > > > > >> [Original Message] > >> From: Godfrey DiGiorgi > > > >> I'll have to learn more about it. I don't know how you can target more > >> narrowly than adjusting Levels and Curves in adjustment layers with a > >> mask to control what is affected. It may be easier to use > >> Shadow/Highlight controls, but more precise/narrower? I'll have to be > >> convinced. ;-) > >> > >> Godfrey > > > >
