Adobe 29180155 User Guide - Page 97

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 4.0 92 User Guide To merge layers Layers can greatly increase the file size of an image. Merging layers in an image reduces file size. You should merge the layers only after you have finished manipulating them to create the image you want. You can choose to merge only the linked layers, only the visible layers, only a layer with the layer below it, or only selected layers. You can also merge the contents of all visible layers into a selected layer yet not delete the other visible layers (in this case, there is no reduction to file size). When you complete work on an image, you can flatten it. Flattening merges all visible layers, discards all hidden layers, and fills transparent areas with white. (See "To flatten an image" on page 93.) 1 In the Editor, go to the Layers palette and make sure that an eye icon appears next to each of the layers you want to merge. 2 Do one of the following: • To merge selected layers, select more than one layer by holding down the Command key and clicking each layer and choose Merge Layers from the Layers palette More menu. • To merge a layer with the one below, select the top layer of the pair and choose Merge Down from either the Layer menu or the Layers palette More menu. Note: If the bottom layer in the pair is a shape, type, or fill layer, you must simplify the layer. If the bottom layer in the pair is linked to another layer or is an adjustment layer, you can't choose Merge Down. • To merge all visible layers, hide any layers you don't want to merge and choose Merge Visible from the Layer menu or Layers palette More menu. • To merge all visible linked layers, select one of the linked layers and choose Merge Linked from the Layer menu or Layers palette More menu. Note: If the bottommost merged layer is a type, shape, solid color fill, gradient fill, or pattern fill layer, you must first simplify the layer. See also "Merging adjustment layers" on page 98 "To simplify a layer" on page 87 To merge layers into another layer Use this procedure when you want to keep the layers you are merging intact. The result is a new merged layer plus all the original layers. 1 In the Editor, click the eye icon next to layers you don't want to merge, and make sure that the eye icon is visible for the layers you do want to merge. 2 Specify a layer in which to merge all visible layers. You can either create a new layer in which to merge or select an existing layer in the Layers palette. 3 Hold down Option, and choose Merge Visible from either the Layers menu or the Layers palette More menu. Photoshop Elements merges a copy of all visible layers into the selected layer.