A method for processing a digital image in a distributed manner to produce a final modified digital image includes providing a source digital image at a first computer, providing the source digital image at a second computer, and modifying the source digital image at the second computer to form a first modified digital image. The method further includes determining a difference digital image representing the difference between the source digital image and the first modified digital image, transferring the difference digital image to the first computer, and combining the difference digital image with the source digital image at the first computer to form the final modified digital image.