Non-Destructive Image Editing

Operation

ND / D

Comments / ND Alternative

Levels / Curves

Yes/yes

In order to do this non-destructively, you should use an adjustment layer.

Rotate Image

yes/ yes

This is only non-destructive depending on the angle you rotate your image at.

Clone Stamp

yes/yes

Non-destructive if you do it on a separate layer.

Save file from ACR

yes/yes

Dodge / Burn

yes/yes

adjustment layer and layer mask.

Merge Layers / Flatten Image

destructive

Paint Brush

yes/yes

adjustment layer and layer mask

Flip Layer

non-destructive

Cut part of image out from background

yes/yes

layer mask

Erase Tool / Delete Selected Pixels

yes/yes

layer mask

Transform Selection – rotate, skew, etc

yes/yes

smart object

Flip Selection

yes/yes

depending on the image, you may be able to copy the selection to a new layer and then flip it. 

Convert to B/W

yes/yes

adjustment layer using hue and saturation

Apply a Filter

yes/yes

smart object

Change Layer Opacity

non-destructive

Change Bit Depth of Image

yes/yes

depending on weather you are adding bits from 8 to 16 bits or reducing the bits from 16 to 8 bits. 

Resize Image

yes/yes

nob-destructive if using smart object.

Apply a Layer Style

non-destructive

Crop Image

yes/yes

use smart object

Add an Adjustment Layer

non-destructive

Sharpen the Image

yes/yes

use smart object

Apply Lens Correction

yes/yes

use smart object