Merged layer is brighter and so is the stamp tool

[Morningmanak]

Everything was great yesterday, this morning I start to update an image and when I create a  merged layer it is brighter. It does not matter what size I view in, it is still brighter. I deleted my photoshop preferences and tried again and I get the same results. Then I go to use my stamp tool and experience a simular thing. My stamp tool has a white glow around it.

Any help appreciated.

[Morningmanak]

Oh, I am using photoshop 21.2.4

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

Have you checked your blend mode for the tool? Is it set to lighten or screen?

If it is "Normal" try resetting the tool:

[D Fosse]

What if you press ctrl+1 to compare both at exactly 100%? Still different?

I ask because there seems to be quite a bit of noise, in which case viewing at 100% is critical.

[Mike_Gondek]

Try turning off Open GL, restart photoshop to make performance change take effect (atleast you used to have to do this, not seeing the message in 2021 version).

[Morningmanak · Accepted solution]

boy I feel stupid. I thought I had checked everything but missed one thing. The file has a bunch of layers and the one I was working on was low on the list. Up top was a curves adjustment layer that was turned on. Duh.... All is good now. Thanks for your all of your input.

[D Fosse]

That's OK, thanks for reporting back 🙂

Sometimes just asking can kickstart the brain... 😉