Given that Layers is only at version 1.0.3, I'm impressed by how mature it feels. But it does have a few rough edges. In addition to the Select-All omission I mentioned above, whenever you refresh the Inspector, it loses any selections you've made and expands any folders you've collapsed, which can be frustrating. Layers also doesn't let you take timed screenshots, which are useful in situations when you can't use the program's keyboard shortcuts, menu-bar menu, or Inspector to initiate a capture. And the program occasionally has trouble with certain non-standard windows; for example, you can't use the Inspector with palettes that automatically hide when their program isn't frontmost. Finally, the current version of Layers doesn't include a Help system or clear documentation.

Layers is obviously a specialty tool that isn't for everyone. But for those who'll find it useful--and you know who you are--it's one of the most innovative and useful bits of software I've seen in a while.

(Layers' official price is US$20, but Wuonm has been offering the program for $15 as an introductory promotion. Note that in demo mode, Layers degrades the quality of its screenshots; once you purchase the program, your screenshots will be full-quality.)