Which of the following is a characteristic of non-destructive editing?

Non-destructive editing allows users to make changes to their images without altering the original data. This characteristic is fundamental in professional image editing as it enables flexibility; users can experiment with various adjustments and effects without the risk of permanently losing the original image quality or details. For instance, when using tools like layers, adjustment layers, and smart objects in Photoshop, changes can be adjusted or removed at any time, preserving the original state of the image.

This approach contrasts sharply with destructive editing methods, where modifications directly alter the pixel data, making it impossible to revert to the original version without undoing all alterations. By keeping the original image data intact, non-destructive editing supports a more efficient workflow and encourages creativity without the fear of making irreversible mistakes.