Wait. Are you saying that if you use Layer|Flatten Image, then you still have layers left over?
What does the layers palette show after performing a Flatten?
I’m tempted to say "sit on it"!
D’you know I’ve never heard of this one. What I would say, however, is that performing the age-old ritual of "Trashing the Prefs" has been known to solve some really wierd problems.
Give it a go (Ctrl+Alt+Shift whilst firing up Photoshop) and let us know how it went.
Chris.
If I use Layer|Flatten Image, it flattens all layers down, but then ignores the work completed (clone & healing brush) done on the two layers right above the background layer.
The Layers palette only then shows the locked background layer.
A friend who is experienced in Photoshop suggested I rename the background layer, of which I did, then flatten. Same thing happens.
I’m more than happy to send anyone the file to resolve the issue. I’m on a deadline to get the project completed and am desperate for an answer.
Thanks for your help!
Chris,
I "Trashed the Prefs" but to no avail … same thing.
S.
So ignoring the Levels adjustment layer, you have a background layer which is duplicated twice. You have made edits to these layers. Have I got this right?
Assuming the affirmative, unless the topmost layer has less than 100% opacity, or a blending mode other than Normal, or parts erased or hidden by a layer mask, it will hide the two lower layers anyway.
When you flatten the file, does the image change on screen? If so what is ‘missing’ from the flattened image?
Do you have any layer masks or layer styles applied? Sometimes these have to be ‘applied’ before flattening.
Chris.
Yes, I have a background layer, plus three duplicate layers of the background layer. Each of the three layers have been retouched i.e 1. facial & body moles, skin tone, etc. 2. fly away hair 3. the models dress which has the back zipper cloned out. The 4th layer is a levels agjustment layer which resides on top.
All layers have 100% opacity set and blending modes of normal, and yes, the top two layers hide the bottom two layers unless they are shifted foward to the front.
The image, when flattened, utilizes the top two layers, but ignores the retouching on the bottom two layers above the background. The bottom two layers disappear, but the information doesn’t record into the flattened image.
There are no layer masks or layer styles applied.
the top two layers hide the bottom two layers
Try trashing the two bottom two layers before flattening the file
If not, try merging the layers down one at a time
Rene,
With all due respect, why would I want to "trash" the bottom two layers, of which I’ve spent countless hours to retouching?
I have also tried merging down the layers, one at a time no less, only to have the same effect happen … the information from the bottom two layers do not merge into the final flattened image.
From experimenting with other files, it is clear the problem lies within creating multiple layers from the background image, as opposed to creating multiple new layers, which merge and flatten without a hitch.
I’m still clueless on this one …
Steven, it sounds like you need to either mask or erase the parts of the background duplicate layers that are not edited, so that the only parts of those layers that have visible content are the edited areas, with the unedited parts being transparent. Now when they are stacked up you will see the effects of all the layers, and when you flatten it you will likewise get all the edits flowing into the single new background layer.
Alternatively, you could use transparent layers on top of the single background layer and put your edits on these. For example, use the cloning or blending tool on layer 1 with "use all layers" checked to hide the mole. Use the cloning tool on layer 2 to cover up the zipper. Clean up the flyaway hair on layer 3. If you want to move a beercan, create a marquee around it on the background layer and copy. Now go to layer 4 and paste the beercan and move it whereever it should go; on the same or successive layers, add shadows, reflections, etc. and cover over the place where the beercan originally appeared in the background.
Just save the file as a file type that doesn’t support layers…a PNG or JPG… or as a file that has the option of including layers like a TIFF or PSD copy with the layer option unchecked.
Peadge 🙂
I don’t trust his observation. All due respect.
Steven,
If I use Layer|Flatten Image, it flattens all layers down, but then ignores the work completed (clone & healing brush) done on the two layers right above the background layer.
That tells me that flattening is working fine.
Zoom up to 100% after flattening. Then use the history palette to test before and after. Is there still a difference?
Viewing an image at anything other than 100% is an approximation only. And many times I have seen a change after flattening or resizing that appeared to discount my changes – using the history palette at 100% to test confirmed that the changes were actually preserved.
Peace,
Tony
Steven,
Can you see multiple layers in the layers window after flattening? That would be an indication that your program is not working correctly. -Mike
The image, when flattened, utilizes the top two layers, but ignores the retouching on the bottom two layers above the background. The bottom two layers disappear, but the information doesn’t record into the flattened image.
As Tony stated in post #10, this is exactly what flattening an image does!
To understand what is going on, first of all consider the Levels adjustment layer. This is like putting a sheet of acetate over a photograph. You can still see the photograph but the opacity of the acetate will affect the image below. That is because this is and adjustment layer. Ordinary layers work differently.
Using the same (crude) analogy, your background image is a photographic print. Sign you name on it with a marker pen. Place another identical print over it and you can’t see your signature any more. Glue them together (flattening) and your signature is gone forever!
The only way to glue them together and still see your signature is to cut a hole in the top print.
You can do this in photoshop by using Layer Masks. Let’s say you’ve retouched the face on layer 2 and the hat in layer 3. Add a "hide all" layer mask to layer 3 and "paint out" the area over the face which will allow the edits to show through. Now when you flatten the two layers you’ll see the results of both edits.
If what you want is a flattened representation of the image but still retain the ability to utilize the hidden modified layers at some time in the future you can do this:
Create another blank layer at the top of the stack. Then press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E which will merge all visible layers into the top one.
Hope some of this has helped.
Chris.
The bottom two layers disappear, but the information doesn’t record into the flattened image.
<slaps forehead> Duh. I get it. You want stuff that’s covered up to appear.
Create a new image with two layers. Make the bottom one black and the top one white. Flatten it. The white covers the black (and it functionally disappears). It doesn’t blend the two – there are blend modes in layers for that – but that won’t bring your retouching out.
Fact is, as Chris said, you’re covering up what’s beneath with your background copy. To prove it, toggle the bottom most layer on and off – see any change?
If you’ve cloned/retouched the bottom layer, the only way to make it show is to not have another solid layer above it – as Chris said – adjustment layers are different.
Thank you Tony, Chris and Michael for your invaluable input.
I basically did what Chris suggested, adding a later mask to each of the layers and painting out what areas were not needed, thus allowing the edits to show through once I merged the layers together.
Once again, thanks for helping me to not pull my hair out completely.
Steven
sorry, didn’t see the resolution. glad you got it sorted.
