Burning corners with many layers

[lgphoto@hotmail.com]

I have a multi-layered file with multiple images (one image on each layer) and would like to burn the corners of one image on one of the layers. The file needs to remain layered and cannot be flattened. Is this possible? Thanks.

[JimGoshorn]

Quick and dirty method would be to copy the layer to a new document, do your burn corners modifications, flatten the document and then copy that back to the original file as a new layer. You can then either hide the original layer without the burned corners or delete it.

Jim

[lgphoto@hotmail.com]

Thanks, I tried that but the layer the image is on is the full size of the layout (much larger than the image). The background of the image layer is transparent and the action is burning the corners of the layer not the image.

[JimGoshorn]

OK, I tried this quickly as a test using PhotoKit burn edges:

Create a new document the size of the original, color the background layer black, add a transparent layer and run the PK burn actions for each side, merge those layers to a single layer, copy that layer to your original document above the image layer you want to modify, transform the layer down so burn effect fits the image and adjust the burn effect to taste.

Jim

[lgphoto@hotmail.com]

That doesn't seem to work as the PK action uses the image pixels and a black or gray background just creates a muddy darkening of the corners. The only idea i have at this point is to copy the image layer to a new file, crop to the image, run the action, put the image on a new background, and copy it back to the original file.

If anyone has any other ideas please let me know. Thanks.

[Pat Minicucci]

Lauren: You do not mention your preferred technique for burning but I?d suggest just using a clipping mask attached to the layer you want to burn. This works with both pixel layers and adjustment layers and will only affect the targeted layer without flattening.

[lgphoto@hotmail.com]

I'm using PK burn actions.

I finally figured out a solution: command/clicking on the layer thumbnail i want to run the PK burn action on selects the pixels/image on that layer; i copy the selection to another document, run the action; then the miracle is that if i drag just the resulting action layer back to the original document using the shift key it centers the effects perfectly where it should be as long as the image i copied is still selected.

Only took me 2 days to figure this out. Thanks for everyone's suggestions and if there is an easier way i'd love to hear it.