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USING PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS 8
Using layers
Last updated 7/26/2011
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 65
“Simplify a layer” on page 55
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 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.
3 Hold down Option, and choose Merge Visible from either the Layers menu or the Layers panel More menu.
Photoshop Elements merges a copy of all visible layers into the selected layer.
More Help topics
“Understanding layers” on page 49
“Merging adjustment layers” on page 65
Flatten an image
When you flatten an image, Photoshop Elements merges all visible layers into the background, greatly reducing the
file size. Flattening an image discards all hidden layers, and fills any transparent areas with white. In most cases, you
won’t want to flatten a file until you’ve finished editing individual layers.
1 Make sure that the layers you want to keep in your image are visible.
2 Choose Flatten Image from either the Layer menu or the Layers panel More menu.
You can see the difference between your image’s layered file size and its flattened file size by choosing Document Sizes
from the status bar pop-up menu at the bottom of the image window.
More Help topics
“Understanding layers” on page 49
Opacity and blending modes
About opacity and blending options in layers
A layer’s opacity determines the degree to which it obscures or reveals the layer beneath it. A layer with 1% opacity is
nearly transparent, while a layer with 100% opacity is completely opaque. Transparent areas remain transparent
regardless of the opacity setting.
