In PS 2019 I use curve layers frequently for dodging and burning. I apply a black mask to each layer, then paint in white for the effects. However, when I flatten the image, or merge the layer stack, most of the dodge/burn effects are lost. If a use a vignette on a scenic photo, it is always at the top of the layer stack. The same things happens with it also. I have found two solutions, both of which are a pain in the gazebo.Overdo the Dodge/Burning or the vignette. When the layers are flattened, the effects lighten, but are still visible. It's a matter of trial & error to get the the exact effect that I originally wanted.Merge the layers one at a time while always making sure there is a pixelated layer underneath (no adjustment layer). This seems to work pretty good with only a very small loss of the effect, but again it's a pain if you have 10 or more layers in the stack.The problem doesn't seem to be caused by smart layers, and if the adjustment layer mask is blank, doesn't seem to be a problem. I never experienced this problem in previous PS versions. Anyone have an idea what I am doing wrong?ThanksClay

Participant

Question

Lose Curve Mask effects when flattening in PS 2019

Forum|Forum|6 years ago
August 4, 2019
4 replies
878 views

In PS 2019 I use curve layers frequently for dodging and burning. I apply a black mask to each layer, then paint in white for the effects. However, when I flatten the image, or merge the layer stack, most of the dodge/burn effects are lost. If a use a vignette on a scenic photo, it is always at the top of the layer stack. The same things happens with it also. I have found two solutions, both of which are a pain in the gazebo.

Overdo the Dodge/Burning or the vignette. When the layers are flattened, the effects lighten, but are still visible. It's a matter of trial & error to get the the exact effect that I originally wanted.
Merge the layers one at a time while always making sure there is a pixelated layer underneath (no adjustment layer). This seems to work pretty good with only a very small loss of the effect, but again it's a pain if you have 10 or more layers in the stack.

The problem doesn't seem to be caused by smart layers, and if the adjustment layer mask is blank, doesn't seem to be a problem. I never experienced this problem in previous PS versions. Anyone have an idea what I am doing wrong?

Thanks

Clay

This topic has been closed for replies.

C

ClayEnos2Author

Participant

I have included 3 screen shots: The image without and dodge, burn, or vignette effects, one with, and one of the flattened image. I hope the screen shots show that the effects in the flattened image are not as strong as in the image before lattening.

I also placing a stamped layer at the top of the stack. The stamping process gave the same results as simply flattening the layers without first stamping.

I appreciate the quick response to yesterday's post.

Clay

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

Were the screenshots taken at View > 100%?

C

ClayEnos2Author

Participant

Nope... I will redo them

c.pfaffenbichler

Community Expert

Could you please post screenshots taken at View > 100% with the pertinent Panels (Layers, Channels, Options Bar, …) visible for the layered and flattened image?