How can I merge a Pass-Through group that has a mask without messing up the image?

[Matteo24659708scyi]

Hey everyone,

I created a group with an image that has a mask to add an extra mask on top. Now, I achieved the desired effect but I would like to merge the group. When I do that though, the result I achieved goes away. It's the same as turning the group's Blend Mode from Pass-Through to Normal.

For more context, this is the sort of thing I'm doing:

[Link removed by moderator]

Here's a before and after showing my situation:

[Myra Ferguson]

Does converting to a smart object help?

[davescm]

What does before and after merge look like at a zoom level of 100%?

Dave

[melissapiccone]

Why do you want to merge? You should use a smart object and as Myra asked does it work as a smart object?