Merging layersWhen you have finalized the content of layers, you can merge them to create partial versions of your composite image. The intersection of all transparent areas in the merged layers remains transparent. Merging layers helps manage the size of image files. Note: You cannot use an adjustment layer or fill layer as the target layer for a merge. (See Merging adjustment layers or fill layers.) In addition to merging layers, you can stamp layers. Stamping allows you to merge the contents of more than one layer into a target layer while leaving the other layers intact. Typically, the selected layer will stamp down to the layer below it. To merge two layers or layer sets:
To merge a clipping group:
To merge all visible linked layers: Choose Merge Linked from the Layers palette or the Layers palette menu. To merge all the visible layers and layer sets in an image: Choose Merge Visible from the Layers palette or the Layers palette menu. To create a new layer from all visible layers, while keeping the original layers intact: Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), and choose Layer > Merge Visible. To stamp layers:
The selected layer is stamped with the contents of the other layer. To stamp linked layers: Select one of the linked layers, and press Ctrl+Alt+E (Windows) or Command+Option+E (Mac OS). The selected layer is stamped with the contents from the other linked layers. To stamp all visible layers: Select the layer or layer set that you want to contain the new contents, and press Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E (Windows) or Shift+Command+Option+E (Mac OS). |