I use adjustment layers. They are not permanent and can be changed or deleted without affecting the original photo if you save them in the psd format. I think going to quick edit affects the original. My suggestion is to duplicate your original in layers and do all changes on separate layers. Leaves you a lot of options if you change your mind about any changes. Your choice.
Vick I wrote:
If I open a picture in Elements (I have v9), and go to the Quick Edit panel with it, I can adjust shadows, highlights, midtones and a whole host of other stuff. I can also go to Layers and create an adjustment layer and do levels there. Are these two different ways of adjusting the photo really accomplishing the same thing? I realize that creating a layer has a different effect than quick edit, but do the quick edits have a different effect on the photo than the levels?