Where should final sharpening typically be applied in a non-destructive workflow?

• A. On the original RAW file before any edits.
• B. On a final smart layer after all edits.
• C. On the background layer.
• D. On a separate color adjustment layer.

Answer: (B)

In a non-destructive workflow, final sharpening belongs on its own layer after all edits, so it can be adjusted, masked, or removed without altering the original data. Applying sharpening this late keeps the image flexible and reversible, and placing it on a dedicated smart layer (or as a Smart Filter on a Smart Object) lets you tweak its strength and refine masking without committing to the effect. Sharpening should be done for the final output size, so doing it at the end ensures it matches how the image will be viewed or printed, rather than mis-scaling if applied earlier. If you sharpen the RAW file first, or on the background layer, you lose non-destructive flexibility. A color adjustment layer isn’t the correct place for sharpening, since that layer is meant for color and tonal changes, not edge enhancement.