Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

Ok, this is an easy question for you experts, however for me the novice I need a little help. In the layers drop down. There are three subtitles. Merge Layers, Merge Visible and Flatten Image. If I have layers, lets just say 4 or 5 layers what do these mean?

Dave

TheDman Loc: USA

Merge Down: Merge selected layer with the one below it.
Merge Visible: Merge all visible layers, leaving hidden layers alone
Flatten Image: Merge all visible layers into background layer, discarding hidden layers.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

https://www.google.com/search?q=merge+layers+vs+flatten+image+photoshop&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

https://www.google.com/search?q=merge+layers+vs+flatten+image+photoshop&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#q=photoshop+merge+visible+vs+flatten+image

https://www.google.com/search?q=merge+layers+vs+flatten+image+photoshop&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8#q=photoshop+merge+layers+vs+merge+visible

Layers are not born equal, some have content (pixels) some do not.

'My understanding' - I could be wrong

Merge visible merges the pixel layers.
Merge layers merges every layer that you select from two to all regardless of being a pixel layer or adjustment layer).

Flatten image really means merging ALL layers and layer groups resulting in a single layer (background)

I did not take hidden layers into account so [n]TheDman[/b] is likely right on the 'visible/hidden part'. Note that being hidden does not mean 'unselected'.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

Davet,

Don't forget that flattening is irreversible; and you can print the photo with all the layers directly from photoshop and save it as a .PSD, and reopen it later, but if you need a .jpg, make sure you have saved the original before Merging or Flattening. The best practice is to make a duplicate as the first step in editing and work on the copy not the original.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

1st of all IMO, you don't ever want to flatten an image unless you are sure you'll NEVER need or want to change anything. If you must, save a copy and flatten it, if your are going to export to a JPG, it will flatten the JPG's, they don't support layers. But keeping a copy of original layers (PSD file (or Tiff)) is vital if you ever should want to re-edit.
There is another one, a short cut to merge all layers (without flattening)and creating a layer containing all editing in all the existing layers. Be sure the upper most layer is active, then Hold down Control+Alt+Shift+E...it will create a new top layer of all below layers and edits and now you can start a new run of edits. Also good to do after your done with edits and use this layer for final sharpening etc. etc.

Davet Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

What would that be on a MAC?

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Command instead of Control. Opt instead of Alt...+Shift E, I believe.