Photo layers best practice advice

[lphilpot]

I'm pretty new to Photo and I use it for (primarily landscape) photo post-processing, virtually nothing else. Therefore, I don't use vector objects, text, etc. On the rare occasion I need to add such, my needs are minimal and I can get by. I'm not unfamiliar with raster / vector editors in general, having used numerous apps off and on for years, I'm just new to Photo and am trying to focus my efforts where it affects me the most.

That said, in the context of my Photo layers all being either pixel (image) or adjustment / live layers is there a preference or best practice regarding the relationship between the image layer and it's adjustment layers? Specifically:

1. The adjustment / live layer is an independent layer above the pixel layer it modifies (left-aligned in the layers panel)
    
2. The adjustment / live layer is dropped on the name of the pixel layer it modifies and is therefore a clipping layer* (slightly indented in the layers panel)
    
3. The adjustment / live layer is dropped on the thumbnail of the pixel layer it modifies and is therefore a mask layer* (more indented in the layers panel)

* The information I've seen on this topic is all in the context of nested pixel and vector (not adjustment / live) layers. I understand the concepts but might be mistaken on other details. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, there are obviously hierarchical / stacking layer considerations depending on the visual effect(s) desired. I also understand that but it's not my question here.

Empirically, from what I've seen so far simple pixel + adjustment / live layer "pairs" show the same visual effect in any of the three scenarios above. Then again, maybe I've not pushed the envelop hard enough...

Am I right, wrong, otherwise? Vector layers notwithstanding, is there a general recommendation in my usage context?

Thanks!

[lphilpot]

Moderators,

Can this topic be moved to the Affinity on Desktop Questions (macOS and Windows) forum? I intended to create it there but obviously made a mistake. Otherwise if you can delete it here, I'll re-post it there.

Thank you.

[RichardMH]

Depends on your editing style. I usually make lots of small adjustments to an image and end up with a lot of adjustment layers, many with masks. Stacking them all above the pixel layer works best for me. And I can see what I've done. Your option 1. 

[lphilpot]

Me, too - Numerous smaller edits (occasionally some are actually beneficial, too! 😜). I was just curious if there's any organizational or technical advantage to a particular approach.

Thanks!