Ferlin

In using the clone tool, what is meant by use all layers. I mean. you can only clone on the layer you're working on ,right? I don't get the- use all layers -concept. Ferlin [saywhat] [confused]

Erik

This is one of the great options of the clone tool. Really is.

It means that you can store your cloned information/pixles on another layer. This way, you don't influence your original pixels: whatever you clone from the layer below the empty layer you created, is dtored on the empty new layer.
In case you have several layers below the empty layer you created to put your cloned pixels on, and those layers have blend modes that let those layers influence the result, your cloned info will be the result of all layers together.

In other words:

Empty layer to clone on ACTIVE
layer b set to overlay
layer a set to hard light
background

with use all layer on, you will clone on "empty layer to clone on" the result you get from the three layers that are below it.

advantage: you don't change the original infromation, and you can unco cloning, or manipulate it immediately. (changing opacity etc...)

MindBender

Or you can turn it off to do the opposite.

3 Empty layer to clone on
2 Some stuff you want cloned
1 A template layer


You can stamp on the layer 2 and then clone onto layer 3 while using whatever is on layer 1 as a guide for what you're cloning, but you are only getting data from layer 2. Not used as often as what Erik described, but I've used this not infrequently.

Why the healing tool can't do this kind of stuff is beyond me. Seems like they should have just made "healing" an option for the clone tool.

Ferlin

Thanks guys! This is a great feature - never used it before and it opens alot of doors.
Mindbender I don't quite understand what you're saying. This may sound stupid but wouldnt Layer2 obscure layer 1 and if you turned "it" off ( meaning use all layers option) how could you clone to layer 3. I will have to play around with it some more to get what your saying. Ferlin [excited]

MindBender

Ferlin - it's one of those things that you use in very specific instances. I'll try to give better details... hmm...

Firstly, I was talking about turning off the "all layers" toggle. Layer 1 is say... a photograph. Layer 2 would be something that is transparent, or has the blending mode turned down. Then you can clone effects from layer 2 onto layer 3. This allows you to duplicate portions of layer 2 if you're filling in effects and such.

It's one of those things that you have to experiment with and then tuck away until you reach a situation that requires it. Definately not as useful as the technique Erik mentioned, but thought I'd pass it on as another facet.

Didn't mean to be confusing...well... more confusing than usual. heh