• Masking Tools will let you control how much of each layer is visible through the use of the MaskingBrush and MaskingBug. These work like a layer mask in that you can use the MaskingBrush to reveal or hide areas of a layer. The MaskingBug lets you create gradient masks for making vignettes and graduated filter effects. Both of these tools work together and are non-destructive. These maskes can even be re-edited in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements. With a Wacom tablet you can control the brush size and opacity based on how hard you press while painting.
• Color Fill Layers are layers that are filled with a solid color and are used to change the color or layers under them. These too are non-destructive and re-editable as well. They include presets that simulate common color correction and black and white conversion filters. Through the use of the masking tools, you can selectively place and control the strength of these effects.
• Controls give you the power to size and align your layers. Through the use of simple tools, you can change the order of layers, adjust their size and rotation as well as changing their blending mode and opacity.
• PSD file format is completely Adobe Photoshop compatible and lets you work within both programs.
So how do you work with Perfect Layers? Effectively you have three ways, one is from within Adobe Lightroom, one is from Apple Aperture, and the third is as a stand-alone application. Keep in mind that the last method will only give you the ability to work with the layers themselves and assumes that the images have been pre-prepared.
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