Merge layers while keeping blend modes

[tkeiger]

What once seemed to work for me now isn't.... (working in Photoshop 24.0.1, MacOS 11.4)
We know that simply merging layers which contain blend modes does't work well as the layer(s) with a blend mode turn to normal layers. What used to seem to work well (command + option + shift + E to create a "snapshot" layer of all visible, now doesn't seem to be working either.

What I'm doing is silhouetting out subjects, retouching out the bounceback color casts on a layer in color or hue mode, and then replacing the background. I'm handing some images off to another designer, so best to have the object on a single layer w/a transparent background.

My method used to work great! Now it's not. Alternate suggestions?

TIA

[Lumigraphics]

Blend modes are there to define how a layer interacts with layers below. When you merge layers, there is nothing to apply a blend mode to.

And if you use the command-opt-shift-E with multiple content layers, it works correctly to create a new layer. A new layer is NOT created if the top layer is empty, that is the layer stamped into.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Could you please post screenshots taken at View > 100%with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

---

We know that simply merging layers which contain blend modes does't work well as the layer(s) with a blend mode turn to normal layers.

---

They are turned into one Layer and one Layer has one Blend Mode. 

[tkeiger]

Here's the layered version and the layer created using the command-shift-option-E shortcut. You can see how that combined layer gets plugged up. I did NOT have the black background visible when I created the layer; just the masked-out cat and the retouching layer. (as that's how I need it)
I'm using a blend layer on "Hue" to neutralize the purple bounceback light

Now, this DOES look correct when I include the background to create the layer, so perhaps that's part of this particular issue....

[tkeiger]

apologies..uploaded the same image...here's the which was layer created (background added for this image

[PECourtejoie]

Hi, @tkeiger I removed the duplicate for clarity.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Again: 

Could you please post screenshots taken at View > 100% with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

The plural »screenshots« is meant to indicate that at least two screenshots are wanted – pre- and post-merging. 

[tkeiger]

I rather did that 🙂 see images above: both are at 100%. The "Layer" graphic is the one with the (new) merged image; the "retouch" one is the layered version. Only one layer w/a blend mode (hue)

[c.pfaffenbichler]

---

@tkeiger wrote:

I rather did that 🙂 see images above: both are at 100%. The "Layer" graphic is the one with the (new) merged image; the "retouch" one is the layered version. Only one layer w/a blend mode (hue)

---

You have not provided the screenshots I asked for so again: 

Could you please post screenshots taken at View > 100% with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

What are the Blend Modes of the Layers you are merging? 

Alternatively you could provide the unmerged image. 

[PECourtejoie]

Now, this DOES look correct when I include the background to create the layer, so perhaps that's part of this particular issue....

By @tkeiger

Yes, a blending is the result of the mix of several layers, remove one of them from the equation, and the result is different... 1+2+3=6 != 1+2

[Simmer1]

Hey,

I'm not sure if you can go back but Create a New Layer at the top of your Layers Palette before you merge. Then select that Layer and hit command + option + shift + E as you did before.

This should give you a merged Layer on top with all the Layers below still in tact. 

[Lumigraphics]

As I noted. If you have an empty layer, content is stamped into that. If you don't have an empty layer, a new one is created. Same result.

[tkeiger]

and I have done both with and without and empty layer....same results.

[Michael Bullo]

Have you tried using Smart Objects? I'm happy to elaborate if needed.

[tkeiger]

I have, thank you.
See this is what is baffling to me: I've successfully done this far too many times over the past few years. And now it's not working.

[Jody38644088q2e7]

I had the same question about how to keep the appearance of the blend mode on the top layer, so when I saw your post, I tried the Cmd+Option+Shift+E and it worked. Just thought I'd let you know that. I don't know why it won't work for you. I tried including a type layer and it still worked. I'm on Photoshop 2024 (25.9.1)

Jody

[Inspired Kindergartens]

The Cmd+Option+Shift+E doesn't work for me... unless you want the entire layer stack merged

[Trevor.Dennis]

Turn off any layers you don't want included in the Copy Merged layer.

The selected layer must be turned on for the Shift Control Alt E copy merged layer to work.  IME its a good way of making a single layer that includes blend modes, and it's something I use a great deal.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

What are you trying to do exactly? 

Could you please post screenshots taken at View > 100% with the pertinent Panels (Toolbar, Layers, Options Bar, …) visible? 

[Captain32945289uqe5]

What I usually do is to export the whole file as a PNG and erase everything around the part where I used a Blending mode. 

It doesn't work in most cases, but for me as an Illustrator works pretty well since I only use the blending mode in specific parts.