Modifying Pixel Layer (Basics)

[jamesgerboc]

I am an old photographer but new to Affinity Photo. I am stepping through the tutorials after trying to use the software without first having a solid foundation. Hopefully you were taught like me that there are no stupid questions. Please remember that when you reply. The basis of layers is to modify the document (image) non-destructively and build the image modifications in a hierarchy. that can be switched off/on, deleted or moved. However, to use say the Inpainting Tool, the pixel layer has to first be selected. Am I missing something? So when I use a tool to modify an image, and the pixel layer has to be selected, all changes are permanent (destructive) once they are applied? If that is true, it seems odd that something as profoundly complex as re-touching, ie eliminating a person or object from an image, is basically destructive. Should a print comeback showing a defective alteration technique, one would have to work from where the image is currently and not start over. Please help in basic terms.

[R C-R]

Layers do allow you to work non-destructively, but for some things you need to duplicate the layer & work on the copy to preserve the non-destructive workflow.

That is because retouching & painting tools like the Inpainting, Sharpen, Dodge, etc. ones work directly on the pixels of the selected layer. It is the same for the filters in the Filters menu, all of which are destructive. Live Filters & Adjustments are non-destructive because they create layers that are applied to other layers.

[HVDB Photography]

Actually, one can use the inpainting brush tool non-destructively too.
Just add a new pixel layer,  then in the context toolbar select "current layer & below" .
Same method for dodge & burn ...  with blend mode set to overlay

 

[R C-R]

19 minutes ago, HVDB Photography said:

Same method for dodge & burn ...  with blend mode set to overlay

I am not quite sure what you mean by 'same method' but for me the dodge & burn tools have no effect on a new empty pixel layer, regardless of its blend mode. 

[Gabe]

35 minutes ago, R C-R said:

That is because retouching & painting tools like the Inpainting

Not quite. The Inpainting tool can be used on the current layer, or current and below. If set to current and below, it will sample from the current and below layers, and apply the edits on the current layer

[R C-R]

1 hour ago, GabrielM said:

Not quite. The Inpainting tool can be used on the current layer, or current and below. If set to current and below, it will sample from the current and below layers, and apply the edits on the current layer

True, but there must be a current layer for it to work on or it will be destructive. So I guess for completeness I should have said "duplicate the layer or create a new one." 

[HVDB Photography]

On 12/11/2018 at 10:27 AM, R C-R said:

'same method' but for me the dodge & burn

My mistake, first need to fill the layer with 50% gray  .... and then set  blend mode to overlay

[HVDB Photography]

I Dodge & Burn on separate layers, one for burning & one for dodging.
And I use 2 separate macros that, to keep it organized, change the name of those layers accordingly.
See attachment.

 

Dodge & Burn.afmacros