So I've been using Lightroom and now I want to start playing with layers so I'll be using Elements for that. So I would think the work flow would be process in Lightroom, export file, open new file with Elements (or Photoshop) and have fun with layers. My question is what format should I export from Lightroom. Since I'm working with RAW should I export to something really big like a TIF file to work in Elements, or JPG? Seems like a TIF would provide more detail/file to work with.
The final image will of course be a JPG. I hope this makes sense...
In LR you can select the image and choose (edit with) and select a program like Photoshop. the image will open in that program and you can do what ever you want to it. when you are finished just close the program and the edited image will be brought back to LR as a second image. the great thing about doing this is, if you choose to go back to edit the image again in PS all the layers and adjustment layers will still be there.
As far as working file, I like Tiff because you can save the image with the layers.
I send the image to PSE from LR as a RAW file (if that's what I shot), then save it back to LR as a PSD file. I can later export it out of LR as a JPEG if needed.
Yes it sounds like you are over thinking it, LR will give you an edit option on the right click for PSE. Simply do it, edit away and save. LR should detect the changes this way and the edit will be in the catalog along with the original. It works very well for being two different applications.
If you've made basic LR adjustments to the RAW file choose the "Edit copy" option in LR and save the file as a PSD when you exit PS. LR will then "stack" it with the original RAW in the catalog.
You can then apply extra adjustments to the PSD (cropping, grain etc.) from within LR if you wish before exporting it to a JPG.
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