In Photoshop, which method of blending images is non-destructive?

• A. Using layer masks
• B. Merging layers
• C. Adjusting brightness/contrast directly
• D. Erasing parts of a layer

Answer: (A)

Non-destructive blending in Photoshop is achieved with layer masks, because they let you control which parts of a layer are visible without changing the actual pixels. By painting on a mask, you use black to hide areas, white to reveal them, and gray for partial transparency, so you can fine-tune the blend without altering the original image data. This approach preserves all pixel information and allows you to revisit and adjust the mask, swap it out, or modify its feathering at any time. Merging layers, on the other hand, fuses them into one layer, losing the ability to adjust the originals separately. Adjusting brightness or contrast directly edits the pixel values themselves, which is destructive to the original data unless you’re using non-destructive alternatives like adjustment layers. Erasing parts of a layer permanently removes pixels, making the edit irreversible. So, layer masks are the best non-destructive option for blending.