Observation on The Clone Stamp

[tranquil222]

Okay, so a faulty assumption i've always had with the clone stamp is that, when "use all layers" is checked is that it clones only pixels from layers WITH PIXELS(as opposed to adj. layers which are non-pixel layers). But it also clones also whatever ADJUSTMENT LAYERS do to the pixels. Example: I have this eye that I wanted to clone the specular reflection out of(the shiny part that the flash caused). It looks all fine when i've done the clone job, IF THE ADJUSTMENT LAYER STAYS THE SAME. If, however, I wanted to brighten the curve adjustment layer, I get black spots where I have stamped. This is because not only did the stamp job clone the pixels, it also cloned the brightness levels of those pixels assigned to them by the adj. layer at the time. Confusing? Check out the diagrams below, and feel free to ask any questions!

[tranquil222]

after brightening the curve adj. layer

[MsOz]

Funny, but Cloning on an adjustment level is something I have never done. When cloning I always duplicate the image and work on that, pulling from all layers...

[tranquil222]

Youre not cloning the adjustment layer(that would be impossible), youre cloning the pixels along with the attributes of any adjustment layer. This is only applicable if "Use all layers" is checked.

[theKeeper]

Good observation tranq.

In case anyone's curious... i've been seeing this since PS5.5. Probably was happening in 5 also, maybe earlier... but i myself started noticing it from v5.5 onward.


Generally what i've done to alter this effect is create a new layer above the subject layer, activate "Use all layers" and clone onto the new empty layer -- which is below any Adjustment layers.

[tranquil222]

Yeah, that's a great idea Mark! I never got thinking that far at that moment, but that makes sense. Thanks! I really don't see how cloning attributes of an adjustment layer onto a pixel based layer is useful, it seems like its almost a bug in the program because it undermines the convenience of adj. layers, why not just clone pixels and their original brightness/color values from pixel based layers and let the adjustment layers do their job?...Any ideas? \:]
nice new emoticon by the way!

[imagespike]

Another good way to clone is tom simply create a blank layer above the layer you want to clone (one with pixels) and clone directly onto the blank layer...non destructibe this way!