When working in the Photoshop graphics editor, a beginner will surely have a question on the topic of how to merge layers in Photoshop? Without this function, professional processing of any complexity in the editor becomes almost impossible. How to work with layers?
What can layers in Photoshop do?
When it is necessary to make any fraud in a graphical editor, it is necessary to use "canvases", which, if necessary, will allow:
- Undo the perfect action if you make a mistake.
- Compare the status of the work: at the execution stage and before this stage.
- Achieve the desired effect by blending multiple layers.
- Change the transparency of the effects used.
The layers have a lot of functions, but the easiest way to understand is through constant practice.
Merge Layers
How to merge layers in Photoshop is not a difficult question. The main thing is to do this procedure a couple of times in the present tense, and then this skill will firmly be deposited in your head. After all, 75% of the work done is done using "canvases".
There are several ways to merge layers in Photoshop. But first you need to figure out where all the layers come from.
For example, when you open the editor, on the screen, on the right side, you see a line where it says "Background". This is the main layer or, in other words, the source file.
If you start working on the source file and repeatedly make a mistake, you will have to start all over again. To avoid such situations, you need to use layers.
To create a new layer, right-click on the line "Background" and select "Create a duplicate layer." If you need a name, enter it and click OK. The key combination for this action is ctrl + j.
You can see how another line appears above the “Background” line, called “Layer 1” or “Background copy”.
So you created new "canvases", but in the end, how do you combine the layers in Photoshop? There are 2 ways:
- Hold down the ctrl button, select both layers with the mouse. Right-click on the selected lines and see the "Merge Layers" item. Click on it with the left button. Everything is ready, your layers are merged.
- To combine layers with the keys in Photoshop, you need to do the following: hold down the ctrl button, select both layers. Next, press the key combination Shift, Ctrl, Alt and E. You get the finished result.
Such methods are suitable for any number of layers. Most often use method number 2, as this significantly reduces the time spent in the editor and brings the user much more convenience in using the program.
This instruction also answers the question of how to combine layers in Photoshop cs6, as it is suitable for any version of the editor.
On a note
If you need to constantly work in Photoshop, but you are just starting to master it, it is important to remember one thing. How to combine layers in "Photoshop" is easier with the help of "hot" keys, and perform other frauds necessary for professional work in the editor.
It’s best to group layers, because if you have accumulated 10 or more pieces, it’s very easy to get lost in them. The layers are grouped according to the same principle as the merging, only instead of the combination of the Shift, Ctrl, Alt and E keys, press ctrl + g. After applying this command, you will see how only the "Background" line and the line with the picture of the folder called "Group 1" remain on the panel. If so, then you did everything right.