Cannot use clone/healing in certain layers.

Question

I'm using Ps CS5 to process my photos. My workflow generally starts with background layer, add adjustment layers and smart layers for plug ins for the general stuff. Once the Image is Generally good, I like to "repair" with either the clone stamp or healing brush. This was not a problem before I wanted the flexibility I have by saving layers. Now when I try to use these tools I get messages such as " ...cannot be used in an adjustment layer, or layer contains no image or pixels, or ...cannot be used in a smart layer(I think?)... There is something very basic about using layers, such as which ones have content,(I guess?), that I don't understand. Explanations for using layers are about as clear as mud for me! It would be nice if instead of Ps reminding me that I'm a dummy when I try to use these tools, that it would offer a solution. For example: "if you would like to use the Healing Brush tool, you must first ______ _______ _______ the current layer." Or something like that. I've tried to make only the layer that I'm working in visible. This works great, until I bring back the other layers and my repairs disapear into Adobe's dark dungeon.I suppose It may be that it would help to flatten layers or something like that, but I do want to have the ability to go back and make minor adjustments in the future.

Answer 1

Ah, understanding Layers. Due to the power, and resultant complexity, the full concept of Layers can be tough to grasp. For many of us "old-timers," it was actually easier, as we had worked with acetates in analog art. All we had to do was interpolate that knowledge to the digital world, and then quit screaming "golly, gee-whiz!" with every revelation in the digital world. Every second spent learning the ins and outs of Layers will pay big dividends.
Just looked over Acres' link, and that does look like a good place to start. Knowledge of Layers is a multi-step building process, and having a great foundation is step-one.
Heck, I have been using Layers, and at a fairly high level for well over a decade, and learn something new, almost every week. I have to stiffle those "golly, gee-whizzes... "
Most of all, glad to have helped, and I wish you luck with Layers. If you do find some more useful resources, do not hesitate to update this thread with them. Others will likely benefit from those.
Happy editing,
Hunt