merge down vs. flatten layer

[ekter]

can anyone tell me what the difference is between flattening a layer and merging down? i'm fairly new at this, but i can't seem to tell a difference--the end result is the same--i can save the image as a jpeg file, which is generally what i am trying to do. thanks!

[Lesa]

Great question :)

Merging down means that the currently selected layer and the one directly below it shall become one.

Flattening an image merges ALL layers contained in that document, even if there are many. This is typically done when an image is headed for the printer or for importing into yet another piece of software (and only after a version of the document has been saved in the native Elements format, .psd).

Hope that helps!

[Byron Gale]

ekter,

"Flatten" will combine all of your document's layers into a single, raster graphic image.

"Merge Down" does this with just the selected layers.

"Simplify" converts certain special layers (i.e. Text, Shape, Gradient) into graphic layers.

HTH,

Byron

[ekter]

Great question :)

Merging down means that the currently selected layer and the one directly below it shall become one.

Flattening an image merges ALL layers contained in that document, even if there are many. This is typically done when an image is headed for the printer or for importing into yet another piece of software (and only after a version of the document has been saved in the native Elements format, .psd).

Hope that helps!

thanks for the help! is there a reason i should save my photos as .psd instead of .jpg?

[kevq]

ekter
if you save as a PSD it preserves all of your layers just in case you wish to alter them later.
You can at the same time save it as a JPG for printing purposes.
Kev.

[cats4jan]

If you have the hard drive space, I would save all my work as psd's. The only reason you would hesitate to save them with the layers intact, is that you do not have the hard drive space.

Believe me when I say - you may figure you are done with the project, but there is nothing more frustrating than saving it flattened and then realizing you spelt something wrong and can no longer fix it - or that you would like to take something you created for that page and move it onto another page.

[kevq]

I'm with Janice on this.
I save all mine to my external hard disk.
Kev.

[twoaussies]

Kev: Are you saying one should not print from a psd file. I have photos printed at the local Office supply place and they request psd files on the cd. Jean

[msbrad]

Jean, if the printing place handles psd files that is a fine way to give it to them. Some places cannot handle the format nor the file size to print.

another thing about flatten v merge...I've noticed depending on the layer styles applied to the layers...flattening can do some mighty funky things.
I merge visible when I plan to make it a jpeg.
m

[Linda559]

Just as an alternative to saving as a .psd file, is to save as a .tif file. This also preserves your layers for future editing and allows the file to be viewed on other editing software, other than Adobe.

I've noticed that if I save as a .psd I can not see the thumbnail image in my windows picture folder, if I save as a .tif I can see the thumbnail.

I usually deliver a .tif file to my photo lab, since a .tif can be read by just about all editing software, so it won't matter whether my Lab is using an Adobe product or not.

[twoaussies]

Thanks Linda and Michelle - I always save as a tiff file, but Staples took for ever to bring that in - hence the request for pdf. I can always change to put files onto a cd.
Having a great weekend - devoted entirely to learning more on Elements. Had a biopsy on my arm, cant bend my elbow for housework or gardening - but sure can use the computer!!!! Jean

[kevq]

Jean,
I do all my own printing therefore JPGs are my choice.
I don't know about prints using other suppliers.
Kev.

[Linda559]

Anytime a Lab requests a particular format, that's fine, just give them what they want.

I do some work for magazines and clients who print the images themselves, so I always use .tif, since I may not know who or what Lab will be doing the printing.

If you ever use another Lab or do work for someone, just keep the .tif format in mind.

[WickedYoungMan]

Kev: Are you saying one should not print from a psd file. I have photos printed at the local Office supply place and they request psd files on the cd. Jean

Hi twoaussies.

I don't believe Kev was saying you can't/shouldn't print PSD files. He may have meant to actually print it from your home computer or similar, not actually to send it to an outside printing comp, etc. Though nothing is to stop you from printing PSD on your computer either. Just a preference thing really I believe.

I have heard that PSDs, or Illustrator files or any type of layer/vector files are asked for by printing companies because in case there is a problem with perhaps a color, a format, or something needs corrected they can go in change it, even on an individual layer basis. Plus with the resolution that the PSD or Illustrator files usually are they provide for a much better printing result (Especially true for profesionally printing jobs like CD packaging, posters, etc.)