Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2015 19:38:04 GMT
I recently needed to apply a texture to a multi-layered photo, but needed to flatten the image first. That meant that I would not be able to go back and work on any of the layers I had created up to that point. So, how do you flatten your layers but still remain the ability to work on those layers afterwards?
I had forgotten this tip, so I though I would share it here in case anybody else needed to do this.
Select your top layer and hit Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E (Mac: Command+Option+Shift+E) on your keyboard. This creates a composite of all your visible layers at the top of your layer stack. You can now apply the effect to this layer and still be able to go back to the other layers and change them if needed.
Very handy tip, which hopefully I won't forget again!
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bobh
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Post by bobh on Dec 15, 2015 20:51:42 GMT
Yes, a very useful feature. But an easier way for me (I don't like having to press a combination of multiple ctrl, shft, alt etc keys) is to while holding down the Alt key (Windows), go to Layers and then click 'Merge Visible' from the drop down menu. This will create a new layer containing your merged visible layers just above your current active layer. Normally I select the top layer in my stack and make it active before merging the visible layers into a new layer.
EDIT: Also, remember that if you then go and make some changes to the original layers, the changes will not automatically be transferred to the previous merged layer. You would have to remerge the original layers again. |
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Post by Sepiana on Dec 15, 2015 21:08:37 GMT
while holding down the Alt key (Windows), go to Layers and then click 'Merge Visible' from the drop down menu. Just adding some clarification . . .
You need to slide your cursor down the Layer menu options until you get to Merge Visible. Then, let the mouse go. If you don't do the "sliding", the moment you click on "Merge Visible" the drop-down menu will just disappear.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2015 21:16:59 GMT
You need to slide your cursor down the Layer menu options until you get to Merge Visible. Then, let the mouse go. If you don't do the "sliding", the moment you click on "Merge Visible" the drop-down menu will just disappear. Good point, which actually happened to me a few times; I got so frustrated that I resulted to using the keyboard combination again! |
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Post by Sepiana on Dec 16, 2015 0:38:49 GMT
You need to slide your cursor down the Layer menu options until you get to Merge Visible. Then, let the mouse go. If you don't do the "sliding", the moment you click on "Merge Visible" the drop-down menu will just disappear. Good point, which actually happened to me a few times; I got so frustrated that I resulted to using the keyboard combination again! Simone,
This happened to me too. Quite frustrating! However, even after I learnt how to do it right (Barbara Brundage's The Missing Manual), I continued to use the technique you described (the key combo). I find it much easier to use, no need to keep the cursor on a "leash".
As a side note -- The technique you described is the first one Barbara mentions in her book. Great minds think alike!
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Post by Tpgettys on Dec 16, 2015 1:57:22 GMT
Good point, which actually happened to me a few times; I got so frustrated that I resulted to using the keyboard combination again! Ditto; why use a less reliable and slower technique?! |
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Moto
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Post by Moto on Dec 16, 2015 3:00:48 GMT
An alternate to the slide method is to:
1) press and hold Merge Visible layer menu item
2) then press and hold the Alt key
3) then release the Mouse button.
I find it easier than the slide method or the keyboard shortcut.
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Post by Tpgettys on Dec 16, 2015 6:08:58 GMT
I don't know; the "press 'em all + e" is pretty easy to remember! At least for me, the the other methods are gone by the next time I need to do it.
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Post by Sepiana on Dec 16, 2015 6:14:22 GMT
I don't know; the "press 'em all + e" is pretty easy to remember! At least for me, the the other methods are gone by the next time I need to do it. Same here. I learnt the key combo back in Elements 4. I am now using Elements 14 and Photoshop CC. I have never forgotten this technique. |
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Post by BuckSkin on Dec 16, 2015 8:21:28 GMT
Regardless of method, from this thread I have learned three new methods to quickly merge the visible layers.
I thought I was pretty smart using my method; duplicate all wanted layers, make only them visible, make active the layer that has the name you wish to retain, click "merge visible", then drag the new merged layer to wherever in the stack it needs be.
Your methods are much less time consuming than mine; I will have to experiment with them.
Thanks.
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Post by Sepiana on Dec 16, 2015 8:55:07 GMT
Just a bit of trivia . . .
Adobe calls this feature -- Stamp Visible.
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Moto
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Post by Moto on Dec 16, 2015 9:55:41 GMT
The another long way to Stamp Visible (the way I used too do it.):
1) Select all.
2) Edit menu - Copy Merged (or Shift+Ctrl+C)
3) Paste
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2015 13:31:00 GMT
Well, I am glad my tip created a flood of different methods used by our members to achieve the same result.
Each of us has a different preference, I like to use keyboard shortcuts rather than a mouse (easier on the hands, given I use my mouse way too much for work anyways), but if that is not your cup of tea so to speak there are the mouse moves to get you away from the keyboard strokes.
Glad this has given people some new ways of dealing with this issue of merging the visible layers.
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Post by BuckSkin on Dec 22, 2015 1:31:04 GMT
An alternate to the slide method is to: 1) press and hold Merge Visible layer menu item 2) then press and hold the Alt key 3) then release the Mouse button. I find it easier than the slide method or the keyboard shortcut. I have been reading a sharpening book that is written with Photoshop CS2 in mind. In this book, the author says to hold ALT while selecting "merge visible layers" and it will yield a layer comprised of all your visible layers. I attempted to put this to work today and all I was accomplishing was to flatten the entire image. Then, I reread this thread and found your post; and, it would appear that the books author left out a very important bit of information, as he did not mention to press and hold "merge visible", and then press and hold ALT, and then release the mouse button; I am assuming following your procedure would be vital to the success of the operation. Next time, I will try your instructions; thanks for posting them. |
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