Merge Visible turns invisible pixels white (wrong), but applying the layer mask does not (right).

[Ellis5C47]

See video. Here's the explanation.

If I apply a layer mask and then bring back the mask from transparency (Layer -> Layer Mask -> From Transparency) the color of the layer is unaffected.

If I have this mask on a group and Merge Visible (Layer -> Merge Visible) and then bring back the mask from transparency, all pixels that were black on the layer mask will now be white.

These pixels should not be turned white, they should retain their color as they do if you apply the layer mask.

[Ellis5C47]

Seems that Merge Visible is part of the process for saving as PNG, since this same bug shows up. If the mask is on a layer then the colors are preserved, but if the mask is on a group then the invisible pixels are turned white. This is true for any method of exporting a PNG:

File -> Save A Copy

File -> Export -> Quick Export as PNG

File -> Export -> Export As...

File -> Export -> Save for Web...

[Ellis5C47]

Seems that Merge Visible is part of the process for saving as PNG, since this same bug shows up. If the mask is on a layer then the colors are preserved, but if the mask is on a group then the invisible pixels are turned white. This is true for any method of exporting a PNG:

File -> Save A Copy

File -> Export -> Quick Export as PNG

File -> Export -> Export As...

File -> Export -> Save for Web...

https://youtu.be/IJJsK1VgbFY