Where is the Base Image in Prepare 8 bit document

Discussions about ElementsXXL, LayersXXL and ActionsXXL
Post Reply
astronut80920
Plugin Expert
Plugin Expert
Posts: 18
Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2014 6:50 pm

Where is the Base Image in Prepare 8 bit document

Post by astronut80920 »

I just upgraded to Elements XXL 4 and noticed something interesting. In previous versions, when I activated Preparer 8 bit Document, a base image icon appeared in the layer pallet. I don't see that in version 4, even though I am indeed in 8 bit mode. Is this normal in the new version or is there a problem? I am running Elements 12.

Thanks,

Jim L

HaraldHeim
Plugin Guru
Plugin Guru
Posts: 3363
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2002 1:00 am
Location: The Plugin Site
Contact:

Re: Where is the Base Image in Prepare 8 bit document

Post by HaraldHeim »

ElementsXXL 3 split up the 16-bit image into two Base Image layers. ElementsXXL 4 now embeds the 16-bit image into a smart object. This has various advantages:

1. Having only one layer instead of two means easier handling
2. Rendering the final 16-bit image is faster
3. You can edit the content of the smart object, the 16-bit image, (by double clicking its thumbnail in the Layers panel) without having to render it first.
4. You can add other smart objects with embedded 16-bit images via Render > Add 16-bit Layer, which can be effectively used as 16-bit layers.

Post Reply