If you’ve started learning more about image editing using photoshop, chances are you heard the term destructive editing here and there. But what does it mean? Find out more details about it right here.
No doubt you’re familiar with the lasso, magic wand tool, and eraser. These are common editing tools in Photoshop online or software. While these image editing tools help manipulate and correct photos, these can also destroy the project. This is what professional designers call destructive editing.
What is Destructive Editing?
The term destructive editing does not mean destroying the whole image. It refers to the way of manipulation of pixels of the digital image. Take note that photoshop can only save much. These direct edits become permanent. Hence, you’re unable to get them back. If there are mistakes in the pixels, the image will look awkward and terrible.
When you do destructive editing, you’ll have to go back from square one. The time and effort you spent working on the image are wasted. It is what makes destructive editing a nightmare for many designers.
How to Avoid Destructive Editing?
Destructive editing only happens when you choose image editing tools that are destructive. The key is to avoid these tools and look for options that will allow you to edit images without destroying them.
Non-destructive editing is making edits in an image without changing the pixels within the digital photo. There are PC-installed Photoshop software and online that creates a new file linked to the digital image. The new file, also known as the sidecar file, is a text file. The photoshop application will make changes to the original photo and provides a real-time preview of the edits. This feature makes it easier for designers to find out what to manipulate in the image.
The edited version of the image is saved on photoshop’s program. Hence, you’ll have two copies; the edited and the original one. Non-destructive editing also enables the designer to reset the original image and delete certain instructions.
In this manner, you can edit the images and go back from their original state without destroying the digital photograph.
There are specific tools in a photoshop application that does non-destructive editing. These tools are called adjustment layers.
What are Adjustment Layers?
The adjustment layers in photoshop are a set of image editing tools that supports non-destructive editing. These tools allow the designer to alter the tonal value, saturation, brightness, levels, exposure, and curves of an image without destroying its pixels.
A new layer will appear when you do an adjustment on the digital image using adjustment layers. The software saves the new adjustment while keeping the original one at the same time. This feature helps you check modification and whether to continue the changes.
Adjustment layers are found in most downloadable photoshop software and photoshop online as well. If you don’t have software, you can look for free image editing tools online.
Online Photoshop requires no downloading of software, and it is free. They also offer premium services to allow designers to enjoy more features. Online photoshop is the best option for amateurs and even professionals who need quick adjustments on their projects.