USM in layers

L
Posted By
layered
Dec 12, 2003
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250
Replies
2
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Closed
I’m looking for ways to apply USM to a multi-layered image so that I can *easily* :

a. keep records of what USM values are used.
b. compare results from using different USM values.
c. on an image edited in rgb space, apply USM on only the L channel *and* without having to flatten the image.

There probably is not a single way to achieve all of the above. In PS7, is there a way to create a layer and apply USM to all the layers? That will at least take care of a. and b.

Thanks.
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S
Sanders
Dec 12, 2003
On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 14:27:29 GMT, wrote:

I’m looking for ways to apply USM to a multi-layered image so that I can *easily* :

a. keep records of what USM values are used.
b. compare results from using different USM values.
c. on an image edited in rgb space, apply USM on only the L channel *and* without having to flatten the image.

There probably is not a single way to achieve all of the above. In PS7, is there a way to create a layer and apply USM to all the layers? That will at least take care of a. and b.

Thanks.
Consider this:
Add a blank layer to the top of your Layers stack. Then hold down the Alt (Option) key as you click on menu on the right of the Layers palette and then choose Merge Visible. You will create a layer that is a flattened version of your visible layers, without flattening them. USM that image and then rename the layer with your USM values.

Then, click off the eye next to this new layer and repeat the process with your second choice of USM.

Since going from RGB to Lab and back again causes no loss, swing to Lab choosing the Do Not Flatten option, repeat the technique described above, make the USM adjustment, then return to RGB and name the layer.

I believe this method will solve your a, b and c criteria. Good luck.
–Sanders

–sanders
e-mail?Please erase theboard
L
layered
Dec 13, 2003
Bill, Warren and Sanders: thanks for a great tutorial. It solves all the problems and should speed up my workflow. Have you guys consider writing a Real Problems book?

Now some related questions. In my current workflow I spot an image first (history brush, clone tool, NeatImage) and tweak the color and tone to arrive at a "master" file. From it, I change the image size to a desired print size, sharpen, spot and tweak the color and tone one more time (if necessary) before printing. For a different print size I have to repeat the above again. It would be nice if I could get all the spotting and tweaking done at the "master" file stage, but I have yet to figure out how. Any suggestions?

Sanders wrote:
On Fri, 12 Dec 2003 14:27:29 GMT, wrote:

I’m looking for ways to apply USM to a multi-layered image so that I can *easily* :

a. keep records of what USM values are used.
b. compare results from using different USM values.
c. on an image edited in rgb space, apply USM on only the L channel *and* without having to flatten the image.

There probably is not a single way to achieve all of the above. In PS7, is there a way to create a layer and apply USM to all the layers? That will at least take care of a. and b.

Thanks.
Consider this:
Add a blank layer to the top of your Layers stack. Then hold down the Alt (Option) key as you click on menu on the right of the Layers palette and then choose Merge Visible. You will create a layer that is a flattened version of your visible layers, without flattening them. USM that image and then rename the layer with your USM values.
Then, click off the eye next to this new layer and repeat the process with your second choice of USM.

Since going from RGB to Lab and back again causes no loss, swing to Lab choosing the Do Not Flatten option, repeat the technique described above, make the USM adjustment, then return to RGB and name the layer.
I believe this method will solve your a, b and c criteria. Good luck.
–Sanders

–sanders
e-mail?Please erase theboard

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