Losslessly exchanging image layer data between image editing applications

Abstract

Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer readable storage media are disclosed for losslessly exchanging image layer data between image applications by generating an edit-restricted layer for one image application to represent an incompatible or unsupported image layer from another image application. For example, the disclosed system can determine that one or more image layers in a layered image file formatted for a layered image application include characteristics incompatible (e.g., unsupported) with a feature-restricted image application. The disclosed system can then generate an edit-restricted image layer representing the image layer(s) in the feature-restricted image application by limiting or preventing edit operations to the edit-restricted layer as a type of preview object. The disclosed system can also store image layer data from the feature-restricted image application back to the layered image file for viewing and editing in the layered image application without loss of image layer data corresponding to the edit-restricted layer.