Which of the following is an example of non-destructive editing?

• A. Using the Clone Stamp tool only
• B. Merging layers
• C. Using adjustments layers, transforming smart objects, and masking
• D. Rasterizing layers

Answer: (C)

Non-destructive editing means you modify an image without permanently changing the original pixel data, so edits can be adjusted or removed later. The best example here groups methods that keep edits flexible: using adjustment layers, transforming smart objects, and masking.

Adjustment layers apply color and tonal changes on separate layers that affect underlying layers only through the layer stack. They don’t permanently alter the pixels below, and you can edit or remove them at any time. Masking hides or reveals parts of a layer without erasing pixels, so you can refine where effects or adjustments apply by simply adjusting the mask. Smart objects preserve the original image data inside their container; any scaling, transforming, or filters applied to the smart object don’t permanently alter the source pixels, and you can edit the contents or transform history without degrading the original image. Put together, these tools enable edits that you can tweak, re-order, or revert, which is the essence of non-destructive workflows.

In contrast, using a cloning tool edits pixels directly on a layer, which is a destructive change unless you’re deliberately working on a separate, non-destructive layer with a mask. Merging layers collapses multiple layers into one, eliminating the ability to adjust individual layers later. Rasterizing layers converts vector or smart content to pixels, making further edits permanent on those pixels.