PS CC 2017.1.1 x64, Windows.
I have 60+ objects inside my ps document. Each object is a simple assembly: small jpg image (cube) + layer mask (pixels), something like this:
I can put my objects under: A) single group, B) nested group tree, like this:
The result is identical, a simple array of objects over a solid, black layer:
Now I would like to merge my objects (multiple layers) into one layer (including layer masks). Here is what I get after merging (Merge Group or Convert To Smart Object command).
Case A. single group:
I am selecting all objects, right-click, Convert to smart object (or Merge Group). This converts my object (cubes) into one single object, layer masks are applied and everything looks identical to the original state (multiple objects, multiple layers). It looks perfect:
Case B. nested group:
Now, let’s do the same with the nested group. Now, my objects are nested under line 0 copy, line 1 copy, line 2 copy, line 3 copy which are nested under Group 8, Group 7, Group 6, Group 5, B. nested group. I am selecting the top most group inside the nested tree, right-click, Convert to smart object (or Merge Group). And surprise! The new layer (smart objects) differs from the original. Photoshop puts some extra mini-gaps between my objects:
And it seems that the width of those extra gaps depends on how many levels (nested group tree) are merged. For example, if I select Group 7, right-click, Convert to smart object (or Merge Group), I get this – some gaps have been added but its width is smaller:
It seems that Photoshop adds some ‘extras’ at each level of the nested group tree and the difference (in reference to the original state) could be really huge. The result is the same for both: Convert to smart object and Merge Group commands. I’ve also noticed similar behaviour while working with adjustment layers. It does matter whether I apply my adjustment layer to the single or nested group. Each level of nested tree seems to add some tiny modifications and the final results could be different.
Did someone experience the same? is there any workaround to this? As for now the only solution I see is to merge my objects manually, step by step, starting from the very bottom of my nested tree. Or I can write a script. But maybe I am missing something and this can be easily fixed by setting some variables/preferences.
Thank you.
1 Correct answer
got it! It has been related to my Color Settings. Disabling Blend RGB Colors Using Gamma option solves this issue:
Just wondering whether this Blend RGB Colors option should work like this. I mean it shouldn't result in different output for different Layers tree configurations. It seems that Photoshop's Blend RGB Colors algorithm loops recursively through the nested layers tree and the overall effect quickly becomes magnified.
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the file I am working on is too big. But since this issue seems to be related to the transparency % or anti-aliasing issue I’ve prepared a very simple test. A text object with the outer glow set (transparency %): Blend Mode: normal, Color: gradient with transparency. The text object is nested under Group 1 to 8. The result is:
Now, Select text object, right-click, convert to smart object. Result brighter than original:
Undo Changes. Now, Select Group 1, right-click, convert to smart object. Result brighter:
Undo Changes. Now, Select Group 2, right-click, convert to smart object. Result brighter:
Undo Changes. Now, Select Group 3, right-click, convert to smart object. Result brighter:
Undo Changes. Now, Select Group 4, right-click, convert to smart object. Result brighter:
Undo Changes. Now, Select Group 8, right-click, convert to smart object. Result brighter:
The *.psd file for testing: apply-layer-mask-vs-convert-to-smart-object_002.psd - Google Drive
no. disabling the GPU usage doesn't solve this issue.
Your snapshots: if I select, for example Group 4 and right-click and hit convert to smart object my Layers tree changes, i.e. Groups 1 to 4 are merged into ONE Group 4 Smart Object. And all your snapshots have the same layer tree structures, all groups (Group 1 to 8) visible. I was expecting something like this:
Sorry, I mistakenly inserted identical screenshots multiple times … here another:
I did perform another test. I've created a simple text object with outer glow effect set (transparency %). Just like in previous example. This time the background layer is disabled. Now I am moving my text object between groups inside my Layers tree (from the very top to Group 8, 7, 6,... and finally Group 1). Here is what I see:
The *.psd file for testing: apply-layer-mask-vs-convert-to-smart-object_003.psd - Google Drive
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got it! It has been related to my Color Settings. Disabling Blend RGB Colors Using Gamma option solves this issue:
Just wondering whether this Blend RGB Colors option should work like this. I mean it shouldn't result in different output for different Layers tree configurations. It seems that Photoshop's Blend RGB Colors algorithm loops recursively through the nested layers tree and the overall effect quickly becomes magnified.
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