Apply adjustment layer to a group

[kornelijek]

I know how to do this to look like the adjustment layer has been applied to all sublayers.

But how to finally apply these adjustments?  How to execute this, irreversibly?

[Trevor.Dennis]

You could select the group and adjustment layer and make it a Smart Object.  Then rasterize the SO to make it irreversibly.  Or you could leave it as a Smart Object just in case you want to edit it later.

[kornelijek]

When I do that first thing I loose all the layers. They all merge into one.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Hi @kornelijek they merge into one smart object - the layers are contained inside. If you double-click the layer preview it opens the layered embedded document with all the layers in tact.

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/create-smart-objects.html

[Stephen Marsh]

@kornelijek – If I'm understanding you correctly, another option would be to duplicate the adjustment layer N times, with N being the number of layers in the group that need the adjustment applied. Then merge each adjustment into each individual layer, one at a time.

A script could automate this task, however, it would likely be very specific to the layer structure inside the group and wouldn't be very flexible.

[c.pfaffenbichler · Accepted solution]

A script could automate this task, however, it would likely be very specific to the layer structure inside the group and wouldn't be very flexible.

I think this has already come up in the past. 

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/applying-adjustment-layer-to-multiple...

[kornelijek]

Thank you! The script did the trick.

[Stephen Marsh]

@c.pfaffenbichler – Good find, I had forgotten about that!

[kornelijek]

Maybe, but  I've got ~100 layers. I was hoping I could make an Adjustment Layer according to one of them, and then just apply to all, and export the content.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

The whole idea seems problematic anyway as applying an Adjustment to several Layers together and applying it to the Layers individually does not necessarily yield the same result.

(edited)

[Stephen Marsh]

It should also be noted that right clicking on the layers panel and selecting export as will apply the adjustment layer to all layers without needing to "bake it in":

[Stephen Marsh]

And another script here:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/photoshop-ecosystem-discussions/merging-an-adjustment-layer-to-many-l...