ON1 Photo RAW 2025: Mastering Layers (The Ultimate Guide)

[@marklaurendet1861]

Thanks for this one, added to my reading list to watch again when needed. A lot of info to take in.

[@FreeWillPhotos]

No problem Mark! This one is a lot to unpack if you haven't use layers previously. I love this part of ON1 and plan to showcase the power of layers a little more in future videos.

[@gdbrowning]

I really enjoy your videos and this might be your best. I learned a lot about blend modes which I haven't played with much. So powerful!

[@FreeWillPhotos]

That really means a lot! I truly appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this content, and I hope to keep bring more value added videos. Blend modes are really powerful and when used properly, you can get some looks with your images that other software just wont offer you. Blend modes on effects is one of the things that really sets ON1 apart from other editing software.

[@stevejacob4375]

thank you a very useful tutorial.

[@FreeWillPhotos]

Thank you and I am happy to help! Thank you for the support and comment.

[@marcrjacobs]

Great video, Chris; I've been using ON1 masks for ages, but still learned lots of new tricks, THANKS!

[@FreeWillPhotos]

Marc this is the reason I make content. My hope and goal is just to bring new ideas and information to the community of ON1 users and have fun in the process. Thank you for the comment and masking in ON1 can be really helpful.

[@Seeingtheworldthrualens]

Good stuff

[@FreeWillPhotos]

Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful for you

[@frijitz001]

Nice overview. Especially appreciate the drastic adjustments to make the effects clear. Can you clip an adjustment to a single layer rather than affecting every layer below? I missed that part? Thanks!

[@DannyFyffe]

Chris: This was a masterclass. To start with, no, the photo all combined wasn't purty. ;-) I know layers are very powerful and I guess it is why I have a hard time wrapping my brain around them. I may come back to watch this a few times. Thanks for all you do even when it makes me dizzy. Take care.

[@FreeWillPhotos]

Danny my friend, thank you for your support and I did throw a lot into this video. My hope was to showcase the deep power of layers and give ideas on how people can use them in their own workflows. Layers are very helpful when compositing and if you ever venture into using plugins, the rendered version returns a layer as well. You should give them a try because there are some cool things you could do with the layers in ON1. Remember if it doesn't look good, just throw it away.

[@DannyFyffe]

@@FreeWillPhotos You would probably shake your head at how much I throw away. I messed with a photo for probably 15 minutes today and just tossed the whole thing from frustration. Sometimes things just don't work. I don't hardly do compositing as it is next level, but seeing you work it is like watching a master play an instrument. You are smooth and subtle in your movements. A trait I hope to inherit from you someday.

[@carltonjones2915]

Is it possible to do face swapping with the AI module. I see that it's possible in some other apps with this approach to layers. Is that possible with portrait AI and photo raw 2025?.