User Guide

CHAPTER 8
174
Using Layers
Merging layers
Merging layers combines several layers into one
and keeps file size manageable. When you’ve
finalized the characteristics and positioning of a
layer’s contents, you can merge the layer with one
or more layers to create partial versions of your
composite image. The intersection of all trans-
parent areas in the merged layers remains trans-
parent. You can also merge the layers in a linked
group or grouped layer. (See “Creating grouped
layers” on page 180.)
For information on merging adjustment layers, see
“Merging adjustment layers or fill layers” on
page 185.
Note: Merging any layer with the background
creates a background layer.
To merge a layer with the layer below it:
1 Make sure that the two layers you want to merge
are visible. Select the top layer of the pair in the
Layers palette.
2 Choose Layer > Merge Down, or choose Merge
Down from the Layers palette menu.
To merge all visible linked layers:
1 Make visible all layers you want to merge, and
link them together.
2 Choose Layer > Merge Linked, or choose Merge
Linked from the Layers palette menu.
To merge all the visible layers in an image:
1 Hide any layers you do not want to merge. Make
sure that no hidden layers are linked to the
visible layers.
2 Choose Layer > Merge Visible, or choose Merge
Visible from the Layers palette menu.
To create a new, merged layer from all visible layers,
while keeping the original layers intact:
1 Hide any layers you do not want to merge. Make
sure that no hidden layers are linked to the
visible layers.
2 Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac
OS), and choose Layer > Merge Visible.
Flattening all layers
In a flattened image, all visible layers are merged
into the background, greatly reducing file size.
Flattening an image discards all hidden layers and
fills the remaining transparent areas with white. In
most cases, you won’t want to flatten a file until
you have finished editing individual layers.
Note: Converting an image between some color
modes flattens the file. Be sure to save a copy of your
file that includes all layers if you want to edit the
original image after the conversion.
To flatten an image:
1 Make sure that all the layers you want to keep
are visible.