PK Sharpener - Losing Background Layer

[Michael H. Cothran]

PK Sharpener relies on a Background Layer in order to work. There are times when I'm forced to lose the Background Layer.
Example - when using the Len Correction tool, such as to correct for line convergence, CS3 converts the Background layer to Layer 0. Once this happens, PK Sharpener will no longer function, and I cannot apply the Output sharpening. Is there any way around this?
Same thing happens if I use the Transform tools.

Michael H. Cothran
Nashville, Tennessee

[Schewe]

Is there any way around this?

Pretty simple (and covered in the PKS manual) all you need to do is create a new layer, send it to the bottom and select Layers>New>Layer From Background. That will give you a Background layer that PKS needs to run.

[Mark D Segal]

There are two other approaches, one that I use anyhow regardless of PKS.

(1) Make a duplicate layer of the background. Use this as the layer on which you perform all adjustments in the lens correction filter. That way, if you don't like the outcome you can trash this layer and start over again. It keeps the workflow reversible in this respect. Also your original background layer is preserved for whatever other purposes it is needed (such as using PKS). Once you are sure you don't need this Lens Correction layer any longer, you can merge into the Background layer by deselecting all layers except those two and use the command Layers>Merge Visible (or CTRL/CMD SHIFT E).

(2) A less preferred alternative, after you have used the lens correction filter on the background layer, you will of course have "Layer 0" because that filter converts the Background into a Layer. All you need to do is go into your Layers menu and from the dropdown select New>Background from Layer. It will convert Layer 0 into a Background Layer and PKS will work fine.

[Michael H. Cothran]

Jeff & Mark - Thanks for your responses. So simple to use Layer>New>Background. Never knew this, nor did it before - so again, I learn something new.

Jeff - I did read the PK instruction manual (twice), but obviously overlooked this important piece of information. Sorry.

Michael H. Cothran
Nashville, Tennessee

[dmerger]

Maybe I'm missing something, but did you try just renaming your layer "0" as "background"?  It's worked for me.