Using the Patch tool on a separate layer??

[Atlantis]

When working with the (spot)healing tools I can use them on a separate layer so I can do and undo as much as I like. It's a non-destructive method and I use it a lot.
But I cannot do the same when I want to try the patch tool. Why? I use PS CS2.
The patch tool is supposed to work miracles but I have not found the magic word yet  :-[ .

[mschonher]

Hi Atlantis,

I use CS and have had the same experience as you. What I do is just duplicate the layer and then the patch tool will work just fine. Good luck with your restoration.........

Mary

[cmpentecost]

What I've done in Windows is Control>Alt>Shift>E to merge all of the layers UP, so that I can use the patch tool.  I try and use the patch tool early in the restoration after making a copy of the background layer, but there are times I still will have to merge my layers up. 

Chris

[glennab]

Chris, I use your technique which usually works quite well.  By the time I'm ready for the patch tool, I'm also ready to merge layers.  I don't understand why such a powerful program that allows sampling all layers on nearly every other tool doesn't allow it with patch.  Strange...

Glenna

[Ausimax]

Unfortunately its limitation of working only on the primary layer make it the least useful tool in my opinion, most cases where I would use the patch tool I copy and paste and blend in with levels/curves, and you don't suffer the colour bleed in from adjoining damaged areas.

Its good on small patches where you can cover the damage in one pass but other than that I don't use it much.

Max

[Hannie]

I feel the same about the patch tool as Max.  I do not have great results using the tool.  Then again, in my case, it may be lack of PS knowledge or wrong use of the tool?

Hannie

[Atlantis]

So I'm not the only one frustrated by a tool that has potentional great value in restoring textures ...
Maybe something changed for the better in CS3? Any CS3 users around here?

[cmpentecost]

I've got CS3, and there are no changes to the patch tool.  Maybe by the time CS4 rolls around, we'll see a change!

Chris