"Perfect Layers is the fast and easy way to create layered files in Photoshop Lightroom."
Haven't tried it yet, but could be interesting.
Posted by Jim Bullard on April 21, 2011 at 12:33 PM
I downloaded the BETA trial and did a quick tour. My impression; If you have Photoshop this doesn't give you anything you don't already have. In order to use the layers you have to create a PSD file separate from your RAW or JPG image. To me that defeats the main advantage of Lightroom, the fact that you can make multiple versions based on a singe file using only separate sets of instructions, not a whole new file. As it is in the BETA version it amounts to Photoshop layers Lite with fewer blending modes and other controls. To be fair, they do say that the BETA does not include everything the full version will but you are still left with having to create a new file to use the layers. If you don't own Photoshop that might have some appeal but I can't see any advantage to those who already have Photoshop or, for that matter, any other image processor that already does layers on a new PSD or TIFF file.
YMMV
Posted by Jim Bullard on April 21, 2011 at 7:40 PM
I've now been through all their videos and tutorials. I've also played with the BETA trial software. My first impressions are confirmed. If you already have Photoshop, Elements, Paint Shop Pro or any of several other packages that support layers this adds nothing.
It is not creating layers within Lightroom. Perfect Layers runs as an external add-on that needs to create a separate PSD file rather than just a set of instructions like Lightroom does. You are externally editing the new file just as you would with any other external image processor.
I'm not excited. If they were doing a layers effect within Lightroom using the original RAW file and an instruction set the way Lightroom does for its edits I would be excited. That's what I like Lightroom for (aside from its cataloging functions).
My advice if you want layers capability and don't have it is to buy a full fledged image processor that does. Paint Shop Pro is an awesome program for the money, arguably 'almost Photoshop' for a fraction of the price. Photoshop Elements (if you are partial to Adobe) is not quite as powerful as PSP in my experience but will do most of the photo editing chores non-power users need, again at a fraction of the price of full Photoshop. There are several others available that do layers, even some free ones. OnOne hasn't posted a price yet for Perfect layers but based on their other offerings it will likely be between $150 and $300. PSP and Elements are both less expensive than that and will do more for your money.
Again, my opinion. You are free to disagree. BTW Paint Shop Pro is on sale today and tomorrow (4/21-22) for only $49.99. No, I'm not associated with Corel. I get no kickbacks. I no longer use PSP but I learned image editing on PSP before I could afford Photoshop and IMO it is second only to Photoshop.
Discussion
2 replies"Perfect Layers is the fast and easy way to create layered files in Photoshop Lightroom."
Haven't tried it yet, but could be interesting.
YMMV
It is not creating layers within Lightroom. Perfect Layers runs as an external add-on that needs to create a separate PSD file rather than just a set of instructions like Lightroom does. You are externally editing the new file just as you would with any other external image processor.
I'm not excited. If they were doing a layers effect within Lightroom using the original RAW file and an instruction set the way Lightroom does for its edits I would be excited. That's what I like Lightroom for (aside from its cataloging functions).
My advice if you want layers capability and don't have it is to buy a full fledged image processor that does. Paint Shop Pro is an awesome program for the money, arguably 'almost Photoshop' for a fraction of the price. Photoshop Elements (if you are partial to Adobe) is not quite as powerful as PSP in my experience but will do most of the photo editing chores non-power users need, again at a fraction of the price of full Photoshop. There are several others available that do layers, even some free ones. OnOne hasn't posted a price yet for Perfect layers but based on their other offerings it will likely be between $150 and $300. PSP and Elements are both less expensive than that and will do more for your money.
Again, my opinion. You are free to disagree. BTW Paint Shop Pro is on sale today and tomorrow (4/21-22) for only $49.99. No, I'm not associated with Corel. I get no kickbacks. I no longer use PSP but I learned image editing on PSP before I could afford Photoshop and IMO it is second only to Photoshop.