Adobe 65045315 - Photoshop Elements Use Manual page 79

USING PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 10
Using layers
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 in 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.
In the Edit workspace, go to the Layers panel and make sure that an eye icon
1
you want to merge.
Do one of the following:
2
• To merge selected layers, select more than one layer by holding down the Ctrl key (Command key in Mac OS) and
clicking each layer. Then choose Merge Layers from the Layers panel 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 panel 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 panel More menu.
• To merge all visible linked layers, select one of the linked layers and choose Merge Linked from the Layer menu or
Layers panel More menu.
Note: If the bottom-most merged layer is a type, shape, solid color fill, gradient fill, or pattern fill layer, you must first
simplify the layer.
More Help topics
"Merging adjustment layers" on page 79
"Simplify a layer" on page 68
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 Edit workspace, 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 panel.
Hold down Alt (Option in Mac OS), and choose Merge Visible from either the Layers menu or the Layers panel
3
More menu. Photoshop Elements merges a copy of all visible layers into the selected layer.
More Help topics
"Understanding layers" on page 62
"Merging adjustment layers" on page 79
Last updated 1/2/2012
appears next to each of the layers
73