Well, whilst there are certainly plenty of disadvantages that come when we combine layers, there are also a few advantages. Merging layers or flattening the image can also be especially useful when it comes to situations in which your file is too large.
As we will cover later, combining layers can be a great way to significantly reduce the file size of your document. Likewise, combining the layers can be useful when you have an exceedingly large number of layers in your document and you want to, and can afford to, combine some of them to reduce the number and make the Layers Window more organised. One of the major differences between the two options is the different effects each of them has on the transparent areas of your document.
To summarise, the Merge Layers command preserves any transparency within the layers that are merged, whilst the Flatten Image command causes Photoshop to fill any transparent areas with the color white. As you can see in our Layers Window , we have simply opened a document that consists of three separate layers- each of them containing a single circle on a transparent background.
Here is what our document looks like before merging the layers. As you can see, the three circles sit on a transparent background which, in Photoshop and other applications, is by default represented by a checked pattern of white and gray.
Note that the second method will only work if you want to select and merge a group of layers that are consecutive in the Layers Window. You should then see that all the layers you want to merge in our case, this was all of them have been highlighted with a lighter gray color, indicating that they have been made active. With all the layers selected, simply right-click on one of them in the Layers Window and select Merge Layers from the list that appears as a result.
You will then notice that all the layers have been combined into one! Since we merged the layers rather than flattening the image, notice that the transparency within the merged layers has been preserved. In our example, the circles still sit on a transparent background. This is because the Merge Layers command does not merge all the layers into a background layer, so the transparency is preserved.
As you can see, we are using the same document, so this is what it looks like before merging the layers. The circles are all on their own layer and all sit on a transparent background. Next, we will go ahead and flatten the image. This automatically combines all the layers, so you do not need to worry about selecting them all.
This will combine all the visible layers within your document into a single background layer, as you can see in the Layers Window. This time, do you notice a difference in the appearance of the document? The background is no longer transparent but has instead been filled with white.
This is because the Flatten Image command does not preserve transparency since the layers are combined to form a background layer which is white by default.
So, if you are looking to preserve the transparency of any empty areas within your document, then you should always opt for the Merge Layers feature. The second major difference between the two commands is that the Merge Layers function lets you select which layers are combined whilst the Flatten Image function automatically combines all the visible layers within your document into a background layer.
So, if you want to only combine a certain group of two or more layers within your document, then you should definitely use the Merge Layers command instead of the Flatten Image one.
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Skip to content. June is an experienced graphic designer specializing in brand design. Photoshop is the essential tool that she uses every day along with other Adobe programs for her creative work.
Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Disclaimer Photoshop is a design software made by Adobe Inc. About Contact. To delete with a confirmation message, click the Delete icon. Export layers. You can export all layers or visible layers to separate files. Merging layers. You cannot use an adjustment or fill layer as the target layer for a merge. Merge two layers or groups. Make sure that the layers and groups you want to merge are visible.
Select the layers and groups you want to merge. Merge layers in a clipping mask. Hide any layers that you do not want to merge. Select the base layer in the clipping mask. The base layer must be a raster layer. Merge all visible layers and groups in an image. Choose Merge Visible from the Layers panel or the Layers panel menu. All layers showing an eye icon are merged. A visible layer must be selected to enable the Merge Visible command. Stamp multiple layers or linked layers.
Select multiple layers. To stamp all visible layers, do the following:. Turn visibility on for the layers you want to merge. Photoshop creates a new layer containing the merged content. Flatten all layers. Make sure that all the layers you want to keep are visible. More like this Display file information in the document window.
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