12 Replies Latest reply: Jan 20, 2014 11:53 AM by Pierre Courtejoie

Merge Layers, Keep Layers

StrongBeaver Jan 19, 2014 6:50 PM

With the help of holding the ALT key you can go to Merge layers and your layers will remain in tact, but there will be a merged copy of the layers, this isn't working ?

1. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

csuebele Jan 19, 2014 7:05 PM (in response to StrongBeaver)

Are you talking about the shortcut shift-ctrl-alt-e for stamp merge visible? Holding the alt key while trying to do a menu command doesn't work with Windows. I have no problem using the shortcut key command.
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2. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

StrongBeaver Jan 19, 2014 7:57 PM (in response to csuebele)

Not that wasn't it. Maybe someone else can give some input. If I find the video I'll post
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3. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

Trevor Dennis Jan 19, 2014 8:11 PM (in response to StrongBeaver)

That's definitely the right shortcut for copy merged

Shift Ctrl Alt e

Adds a new merged layer above the layer selected when you invoke the shortcut. If that layer is tuned off, it won't work. If you select two or more of the available layers, then just those layers will be used for the copy merged layer.
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4. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

StrongBeaver Jan 19, 2014 10:10 PM (in response to csuebele)

It's only available in Photoshop CC.
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5. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

Trevor Dennis Jan 19, 2014 11:46 PM (in response to StrongBeaver)

I've been using it for as long as I can remember. I tried to put all the circumstances I could remember that affect its operation. Are you OK with those?
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6. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

StrongBeaver Jan 20, 2014 2:33 AM (in response to StrongBeaver)

I solved my own question

Are you guys sure that is the only way to merge layers, while keeping the individual layers in tact ?
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7. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

Pierre Courtejoie Jan 20, 2014 3:15 AM (in response to StrongBeaver)

Could you share what was the issue exactly, and its solution?
The ALT shortcut changes Merge Down this way: if you select several layers without the background while holding ALT, it will create a merged copy on a new layer, with the name of the topmost layer appended with (merged)
If the background is in the selection and you use the same shortcut, the Merge Down will... merge down to the Background.
And it does work on CS6, I just tried it. It even worked since very old versions: In Photoshop 5 (not CS5), there was no multiple layer selection, but it did a clone of the layer to the next layer down : http://morris-photographics.com/photoshop/shortcuts/downloads/PS5_Keyboard_Shortcuts.pdf )

Chuck, the shortcuts with ALT does work on Photoshop.
It's rather the other way around: on a PC, you can navigate in Photoshop menus, holding ALT and a key for each menu (Alt+I, M, G, for Image, Mode, Greyscale, and there is no need to continue holding alt - the trigger key is underlined each time) but that does not work on a Mac...

But that sometimes DOES creates issues where the ALT will get you out of a contextual, It seems to happen when you begin an ALT+letter sequence, but get out of it... and using an ALT+shortcut sequence afterwards does not cure it, you need to restart Ps.
I'm trying to find a repeatable sequence to report to the team.
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8. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

csuebele Jan 20, 2014 5:25 AM (in response to Pierre Courtejoie)

Thanks for that info, Pierre. I rarely is ever use the alt key to activate the main menu.
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9. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

Pierre Courtejoie Jan 20, 2014 5:45 AM (in response to csuebele)

BTW, I really hope I did not sound dismissive or pedantic in my message, it's so great to have a multiple Guru awards recipient helping others!
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10. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

csuebele Jan 20, 2014 6:11 AM (in response to Pierre Courtejoie)

Not at all, Pierre. I'm always open to learing stuff also.
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11. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

StrongBeaver Jan 20, 2014 8:35 AM (in response to csuebele)

Could you share what was the issue exactly, and its solution?
The ALT shortcut changes Merge Down this way: if you select several layers without the background while holding ALT, it will create a merged copy on a new layer, with the name of the topmost layer appended with (merged)
If the background is in the selection and you use the same shortcut, the Merge Down will... merge down to the Background.
And it does work on CS6, I just tried it. It even worked since very old versions: In Photoshop 5 (not CS5), there was no multiple layer selection, but it did a clone of the layer to the next layer down : http://morris-photographics.com/photoshop/shortcuts/downloads/PS5_Keyb oard_Shortcuts.pdf )
The beginning of your reply was the answer I was looking for and found before you replied. It is a great little technique.

It sounds to me as though this short-cut was in Photoshop 5.5 and was removed in CS5 ? I still recall using Photoshop 3.0, which is when I began using Photoshop, I lost touch between Photoshop 7 > CS3.
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12. Re: Merge Layers, Keep Layers

Pierre Courtejoie Jan 20, 2014 11:53 AM (in response to StrongBeaver)

No, it was there in CS5 as well, I meant that it went as far back as version 5...
It's just less visible when you have a background layer in there.

But please, do remember to share a solution, even when you find one yourself in a discussion you created. The forums are not only there for you, someone's answer can help others!
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