Merging layers

Merging layers in an image is also referred to as “flattening” an image. You can choose to merge all layers or only selected layers in an image. Merging layers decreases the memory requirements for the image. Layers are merged according to blend modes, vector data and vector text are converted to raster data, and transparent areas of the background layer are replaced with white.

You can also merge existing layers to create a new layer.

Many file formats, such as JPEG, GIF, and TIF, do not support multilayer images. When you save images to these formats, Corel PaintShop Pro merges all layers into a single background layer. When you save to the PSD (Photoshop) format, the image maintains raster and adjustment layers, but vector layers and art media layers are converted to raster layers.

The following table describes how layer types are merged.

Top layer	Merged with	Results in
Any layer	Raster layer	Raster layer
Vector layer	Vector layer	Vector layer
Art Media layer	Background	Background
Mask layer	Mask layer	Mask layer
Any layer	Background	Background

Important! You should always make a backup copy of the original PspImage image before you merge layers. After you merge layers, you cannot edit the layers separately.

To merge two layers together

Edit tab

1 Make sure that one layer is located directly above the other on the Layers palette.

2 Select the top layer.

3 Choose Layers  Merge  Merge Down.

To merge all layers, choose Layers  Merge  Merge All (Flatten).

To merge selected layers

1 On the Layers palette, select the layers that you want to merge.

You can Ctrl-click to select non-consecutive layers.

2 Choose Layers  Merge  Merge Selected.

You can also merge selected layers by right-clicking one of the selected layers and choosing Merge  Merge Selected.

To merge selected layers to a new layer

1 On the Layers palette, select the layers that you want to merge to a new layers.

You can Ctrl-click to select non-consecutive layers.

2 Choose Layers  Merge  Merge Selected To New Layer.

You can also merge selected layers to a new layer by right-clicking one of the selected layers and choosing Merge  Merge Selected To New Layer.

To merge all visible layers

Edit tab

1 On the Layers palette, click the Visibility Toggle button

for each layer that you do not want to merge.

When the layer is hidden, the Visibility Toggle button changes to

2 Choose Layers  Merge  Merge Visible to merge all visible layers into one raster layer.

Invisible layers are not affected. The merged layer, which maintains the transparency information of the original layers, appears at the position of the active layer.

If the selected layer is in a group, only the visible layers in that group are merged. If the layer group is marked as invisible (making all layers within the group invisible), then none of the layers within the group are merged.

To merge visible layers to a new layer

1 On the Layers palette, click the Visibility Toggle button

to hide each layer that you do not want to merge.

When the layer is hidden, the Visibility Toggle button changes to

2 Choose Layers  Merge  Merge Visible to New Layer to create a new layer from the visible layers.

To merge all layers in a group

Edit tab

1 On the Layers palette, select the layer group, or the layer within the group, that you want to merge.

2 Choose Layers  Merge  Merge Group to merge all layers in the group into one raster layer.