Question about layers... - Photoshop Tutorials | Photoshop Contests

SirJoey · 05-14-2008, 03:26 PM

When working with multiple layers, can I combine certain ones, without "flattening" the entire image?

**TypeO** · 05-14-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirJoey

When working with multiple layers, can I combine certain ones, without "flattening" the entire image?

short answer yes, explanation depends on what version you're using.

In 7 and below, you must link all layers you want to combine, go to layers > merge linked, or leave only the layers you want to combine visible, then go to layers > merge visible.

In CS (pretty sure all versions), you can CTRL-click individual layers to make a multi-layer selection, then go to layers > merge layers (or CTRL-E)

joshbond · 05-14-2008, 03:45 PM

use the "merge down" function.

its right above flatten image.
also the shortcut "ctrl + e" works.

joshbond · 05-14-2008, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TypeO

short answer yes, explanation depends on what version you're using.

In 7 and below, you must link all layers you want to combine, go to layers > merge linked, or leave only the layers you want to combine visible, then go to layers . merge visible.

In CS (pretty sure all versions), you can CTRL-click individual layers to make a multi-layer selection, then go to layers > merge layers (or CTRL-E)

show off.

**TypeO** · 05-14-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshbond

show off.

Lord Nytmare · 05-14-2008, 04:24 PM

I find that it still removes the layer styles on occasion, when merging down.

SirJoey · 05-14-2008, 04:51 PM

Thanx, guys. I'm using 7. Maybe next time I'll remember to mention that.

SirJoey · 05-14-2008, 07:37 PM

Hmmm... can't seem to get this to work, for some reason. On 7, there's no "merge down" command in that menu. Just "merge layers" "merge visible" & of course, "flatten".

I have a 6 layer image. When I get down to only 3 layers still visible, the "merge visible" command is still available, but as soon as I get down to the last 2, (the only 2 I wanna merge), the "merge visible" command is greyed out, not available. I'm stumped...

joshbond · 05-14-2008, 07:56 PM

Are the two you want to merge next to each other in your layer pallet?

like is the one right on top of the other?

**sdb** · 05-14-2008, 07:58 PM

i have 7 also. you should be able to merge down when you highlight a layer (other than the background).

**sdb** · 05-14-2008, 08:02 PM

do this:

move the first 2 layers you want to merge to the very top in the layer box. hichlight the uppermost layer and "merge down" should be an option.

repeat this process for all 3 layer combinations you need to merge. Then just re-order the 3 combined layers as needed.

SirJoey · 05-14-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshbond

Are the two you want to merge next to each other in your layer pallet?

like is the one right on top of the other?

Yes, they are. And neither one is the background.

SirJoey · 05-14-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdb

do this:

move the first 2 layers you want to merge to the very top in the layer box. hichlight the uppermost layer and "merge down" should be an option.

Well, no luck there, either. There's still no "merge down" option available. It's still greyed out.

Hmmm... There it is. Maybe it just took awhile for my slow puter to catch up, not sure..

**sdb** · 05-14-2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirJoey

Well, no luck there, either. There's still no "merge down" option available. It's still greyed out.

Hmmm... There it is. Maybe it just took awhile for my slow puter to catch up, not sure..

sometimes it helps to close photoshop and restart it.