Are edits from Photoshop or Affinity plugins destructive or non-destructive?
Asked 12/31/2021
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When using image-editing plugins such as the Nik Collection in hosts like Photoshop or Affinity Photo, do the plugins usually make destructive pixel changes, or can they work non-destructively? For example, are the results typically applied directly to raster pixels, or can they be added on a separate layer or similar structure that preserves the original image? Concrete examples of how plugins are commonly applied would be helpful.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
1
Most plugins work on a copy of an image, although this depends on the host program. Some can apply their changes on a layer, which preserves the original data on its own layer.
Originally by user76245. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user76245
4y ago
0
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Usually, a plugin works on a copy of the image data, but the exact behavior depends on the host application and the specific plugin.
In many cases, the plugin returns a pixel-based result, so the effect is effectively raster/pixel editing rather than a fully editable adjustment. However, if the host lets you run the plugin on a duplicated layer, the original image is still preserved underneath, which makes the workflow non-destructive in practice.
A common example is:
- duplicate the image layer
- run the plugin on that duplicate
- keep the original layer untouched below
Some host programs or plugins may integrate in a way that applies the result to its own layer, again preserving the original data separately.
So the safest general answer is: plugin edits are often pixel-based, but they can be used in a non-destructive workflow if applied to a copy or separate layer provided by the host program.
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