Some time ago we featured a method for vignetting an image that was adjustable -- you could come back later and change the vignette without disturbing the image.  "Non-destructive," they call it.  (Click here to review that article.)  One day we'll come back and turn that method into a robust action.

Today, however, let's look at two other methods for vignetting that are also non-destructive.  They both use Photoshop's Lens Correction filter.  Open an image and duplicate its Background layer.  With the Background copy selected, choose Filter > Distort > Lens Correction.  Start by pressing alt-W, which un-checks the "Show Grid" box at the bottom of the dialog and makes it easier to see the image.  Then, in the Vignette area, move the Amount slider to the left and the Midpoint slider also to the left.  Adjust to your liking.  The resulting change should look something like this:

True, this isn't exactly non-destructive.  But you can easily change the opacity of the Background copy layer, to achieve any result in between the two images above.

If you insist on a method that is truly non-destructive, we could use Smart Objects and a Smart Filter.  March back in your History palette until all you have showing in the Layers palette is the original Background layer and the Background copy layer.  With the Background copy layer selected, choose Layer > Smart Objects > Convert to Smart Object.  (The Smart Object will be created, and the Smart Object thumbnail will appear in the lower right corner of the Background copy layer's thumbnail, as seen in the next screen shot.)

To make the Smart Filter just choose Filter > Distort > Lens Correction again.  Use the same values as before, in this case -84 and +16.  Press OK.  Now the Layers palette shows a Smart Filter attached to the Background copy, and shows the Lens Correction as a component.  Of course the vignetted image looks just as it did before.

Now, however, if you double-click on the words "Lens Correction," you'll find yourself back in the Lens Correction dialog again, where you can change the settings to whatever you like.  Voila!  Completely modifiable.  That means you can create an action that duplicates the background layer, converts the copy to a Smart Object, and creates the Smart Filter with a particular choice of settings.  With that action you can now vignette any image with just one click, secure in the knowledge that the vignette settings can be changed later if it proves necessary!

Whether you choose the Smart Object approach or not, you'll appreciate the soft, beautiful fade produced by the Lens Correction filter.