jstech. You don’t need an image layer button. When you use a filter or make an adjustment to your image, you automatically create a layer. It should automatically show up in the window area on the right side of the window. At the moment it seems like the software needs to be fixed. You don’t see the layer unless you go over and click on the “CBS Eyeball” Icon, which is supposed to disable the effects on that layer, and it does, but clicking it also reveals this and all the other layers you may have created. When you click that Icon again it shows the effects you just made to the image. You have options to create a mask for that layer, hide it from view, or modify it further. Once you add another adjustment (filter), you will have a new layer added above the one you created previously. I’ve sent a note to Topaz to ask them to work on this bug, unless this is how they want it to work.
Update---- I just did another test, and the layers are now automatically showing without having to hit the eyeball. Feels a little like I’m in the Twighlight Zone. But I am awake and it’s now working, and so I’m happy.
Thanks for the info. I was used to layers showing when you created them. I understand that compositing layers will show up later, or am I wrong with that too.
Kathy, would you please explain why you are doling Studio 2 out in such a piecemeal manner? I understand that the company just wants to get this out asap, but I feel that this is a poor way of doing it. As I am seeing it this really is not an update, I see it as a significant change and basically consider it a new program.
I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time re-learning Studio, yet, but from my initial review, I’m sorry to say that I like to old format better.
The marketing pages explicitly state that (new program) though it appears the message has been slow to resonate. There is a totally new direction with the same name - they were going to change that too, but decided against it (perhaps in hind-sight they should have). So, yes, update is not really the most appropriate term in this context.
One last point. I believe a tutorial would be a big help. Yes, we can figure things out on our own, but it would help us and save a lot of time by giving us some guidelines to get started with.
Not necessarily. Certainly not the only use in Ps. Layers primarily allow you to layer on different effects and filters, then blend them, adjust the quality of elements in them (like with Curves, or Contrast, or Vibrance, etc.). And they allow you segregate the work you do into different tiers such that you can remove some of the tiers and not lose all your work. If you choose to add compositing to the mix (I often do…) that’s an indiv creative decision. But it’s not the only, or even primary, motivation for layers methinks.
I asked about this and they said image layer is coming.
I was concerned I cant open a different image and use that as an image layer. Apparently multiple images aren’t supported yet either.
I like to create different versions (perhaps even from Restyle) and use them as image layers to blend various effects- easy in Studio 1 but not currently possible in Studio 2.
I actually liked having different versions at the bottom- often not the same as just non-destructive layers. I have enjoyed using some as image layers often masked to different extents, and with different images altogether
Yes, I’m aware of that and I’ve signed up for it. I’m talking about a tutorial or tutorials that people can open up anytime for reference. Affinity, for example, has quite a number of them describing each procedure.
I am so glad you mentioned that you feel that Topaz Labs is dumbing down its program in TS2. I kinda feel the same way too. They have taken away a lot of controls and have a simple slider instead. I realizeTS2 is going in a different direction where creative artistry is the goal. However I use TS1 to make my photographs better, but need to keep them real. I hope Topaz Labs will continue to support and even improve TS1. Just my two cents, which doesn’t buy anthing today
Highly unlikely significant resources will be devoted to Studio-1 going forward (in my opinion). My assumption would be that TS-1 support will be EOL soon (if not already) and therefore enhancements even less likely.
My suggestion would be to start looking for a good general purpose photo editor that Studio-2 could then compliment. One suggestion would be Affinity Photo ($50 or less when on sale).
