Working w/ cumulative layers; preferred protocol?

I like to merge groups into Smart objects.  This works so long as you are able to update the SO in its new window after double clicking, without the context of the rest of the image.  If that becomes a problem I open the SO in a new window > select and Group all the layers > and duplicate back to the master document.

The down side is that what Nancy said about Photoshop being a resource hog is completely true, and you can get into lag states with large documents.  We've experiment with this in other threads, and even Edit > Purge > All does not return system resources, and close the huge Scratch files.  The only way to do this is to restart Photoshop.

Another advantage of using Smart Objects is you can make them a library resource.  You can drag an SO to a CC library for use in other documents.  This works with things like eyes, that can have heaps of layers, and take some time to make. 

Hi!

I want to add my 2 cents in with the excellent advice that Nancy and Dave have already posted. Here is part of my workflow: When I am retouching an image I will work with different parts of the image on different layers--skin, eyes, blemishes, shadows and wrinkles, etc. and when I am satisfied with the image so far, I will merge them all to a new layer using the Shift-Opt-Cmd-E or Shift-Alt-Ctrl-E. Then I can take it to the next level and still have all my original layers intact. I also try to keep those original layers grouped in a folder below that layer for safe keeping. Thi

It's very possible that you may have had one of your original layers selected when you changed the opacity or if it was grouped in a folder with the uppermost layer it could have also changed that way.

Michelle

Hi

Unless you are getting memory or slowdown issues then there is no reason to merge your layers unless you want to apply an effect and, even then, I would just put them in a smart object and apply the effect to that.

Your issue on opacity suggests you may be duplicating the original image. You can often apply your retouches using adjustment layers or healing and cloning to seperate layers leaving the original untouched.

Two protocols that you should follow though :

1. Name your layers. Once you get a lot of them it can be awkward trying to find the particular layer where you cloned out that pimple

2. Save incrementally as you go i.e filename 001, filename 002, filename 003 etc  That way if you crash (or just make a bad error) you can always step back to an earlier saved version without losing too much work. You can get rid of the interim versions once you are happy with the result.

Dave

That's a good question.   Photoshop is a resource hog.  Back in the bad old days when I had an underpowered laptop computer, memory was a big issue as I didn't have enough scratch disk space or RAM.   If I wanted to keep working on a complex project it was often necessary to merge layers or flatten the image to keep file size manageable.   You do what you have to do.

My preference is to keep all layers, grouped or otherwise in a backup file just in case I ever want to revert to them.  

Merging layers is a judgement call.   You may have 3 shape layers that could just as easily be combined into one.  If so, go ahead and merge them.

Learn to use Smart Objects.  

Work with Smart Objects in Photoshop