Introduction to Non Destructive Editing
Imagine editing a hand-drawn sketch. One might erase a line, add something, maybe even use a pair of scissors to cut out a pattern or the entire sketch from the paper. Obviously, once done none of these changes are reversible. On the other hand, if one used some tracing paper, or better still, a transparent plastic sheet over the original sketch. Traced out the original drawing with a non-permanent marker, and made changes to it. One could experiment with a new idea without altering the original drawing. In this blog let’s explore the preserving image quality and flexibility with non destructive editing.
This analogy works perfectly with digital image editing as well. Some editing techniques like cropping, resizing, and using the eraser tool result in changes that cannot be reversed. These are called “destructive editing” methods. In contrast, creating a separate layer or adjustment layer that can be edited without affecting the original image is called “non-destructive editing”.
Non-destructive editing is especially useful when working with RAW files, since they contain more data than JPEG files and are therefore more flexible when it comes to editing.
Non Destructive Editing in Photoshop
In Photoshop, non-destructive editing relies on three main techniques: adjustment layers, masks, and Smart Objects.
Adjustment Layers:
An Adjustment Layer is a special type of layer that resides on top of the image and is connected to all the layers below it. One can adjust things like brightness, contrast, color balance etc. on this layer without affecting the original file. Photoshop offers a variety of adjustment layers that target different aspects of the image, e.g. Levels, Curves, Hue/Saturation, Color Balance, Exposure, Vibrance, and many more. Each adjustment layer allows modification of specific attributes like brightness, contrast, color balance, saturation, and tonal range, enabling extensive control over the image’s appearance. Adjustment layers also come with Opacity and Blending Modes so the user can control the interaction between the adjustment layer and layers below it. This can affect the overall look of the image quite dramatically.
Masks:
Masks are innovative devices to perform non-destructive editing. A masked area of an image remain hidden, but are not deleted; consequently they remain unchanged even when the non-masked areas are changed dramatically. Furthermore Masks work well to create selective adjustments to an image or to apply effects to specific areas of an image.
Smart Objects:
Smart Objects are another useful non-destructive editing option in Photoshop. These are special layers applied to embedded objects in an image, which can be edited, scaled, or transformed non-destructively. In addition, Smart Objects lend themselves to efficient workflows with Smart Filers and Layer Styles, which are also non-destructive in nature.
Non Destructive Editing Applications
Non-destructive editing is used in a variety of ways in photography and graphic design. Here are a few examples:
Retouching Portraits
When retouching portraits, non-destructive editing is essential. By using adjustment layers and masks, one can make subtle changes to skin tone and remove blemishes without affecting the original image.
Creating Composites
When creating composites, non-destructive editing is key. By using Smart Objects and masks, one can blend multiple images together seamlessly.
Color Grading
Color grading is a popular technique in photography and film-making. With non-destructive editing techniques, the color and tone of an image can be changed without permanently altering the original file.
The Down Sides
- Non-Destructive Editing takes a little longer than destructive editing. For a professional photo editor, these small time differences can add up and affect the output. However, for work where experimentation and iteration is necessary, non destructive editing saves time in the long run. Therefore it is a judgment call when to use it.
- The non-destructive editing workflow can have a somewhat steep learning curve. However, it is a useful skill to acquire, even if it is not required right away, because sooner or later, every image editor comes across an image that needs a lot of experimentation!
Conclusion
Photoshop is a sea of possibilities that takes a long time to become familiarized with, leave alone master! However, there is no doubt that for the modern brand manager, a post-processing partner with Photoshop mastery is a must. This article on Non Destructive Editing illustrates. The creative possibilities that get unlocked with just one of hundreds of features within Photoshop.
Are you interested to see the creative possibilities for your images and how they can help you create a distinctive brand identity? If so, please contact us via phone or email, or just fill out our online form for a free consultation!
