Board hog here, with another question! Merging layers

[jandotcom]

Why is my "Merge Visible Layers" option grayed out? For example, I've got a picture that I've "stapled" to a mat. I want to merge those layers (the picture, the staples, the mat) together so that I can move them around together. But when I make all the OTHER layers invisible, I don't have the option to merge visible layers.

I'm working with PSP9.

Thanks!
Jan

[Pam]

I went into PSP and made layers invisible and my "Merge Visible Layers" option grayed out also -- but I found that the layer that I had selected was one of the invisible layers -- the minute I clicked on a visible one it wasn't grayed out any more

Another method of doing what you're speaking of, I make sure the three layers I want to merge are together by moving them all up or down until they are next to each other. Then use the merge layer down command twice -- once to merge the staples down to the mat, then to merge that layer down to the photo.

Does this help? Let me know - and meanwhile there may be others who can make suggestions.

[jandotcom]

Thank you, that makes perfect sense. I'm not on the computer with PSP on it right now, but I'll try it tonight!

Thanks,
Jan

[valeri]

Something else to think of.. and I have done this before. I think I have it just the way I want it and merge my layers and then I will think of something different. now I have to redo the whole thing. What I would do in this case is to "link" the photo layer, the mat layer and the staple layer. that way you can move them around but then you can change something later. I am not at home right now, so I can't open PSP and I don't remember what everything is called, but there is a tab on the layers pallet that you can link specific layers together by assigning them the same number. Anyone have PSP open that can help out with the exact name of what that tab is called?

hth a bit.

any other ideas?

[Pam]

Wow, way cool, Valeri -- we all learn new methods like this!! The "layer link toggle" is in the layer palette - but I had never paid attention to it (it just says "none" on it. From the PSP help file under "Linking Layers and Layer Groups" I copied -

Use layer linking to have layers move together on the image canvas when you move one layer with the Move tool. To link individual layers, use the Layer Link button on the Layers palette. By default, this button says “None.” Change each layer that you want to link to the same number, say “1” or “2.” Left-click to increase the number; right-click to decrease it.

Use group linking to have all layers within a layer group move together on the image canvas. The Group Link button on the Layers palette displays a blue icon when the group is linked or a grey icon when the group is not linked.

Layer links take precedence over group links. For example, Layer Group 1 is linked and contains Layer1, Layer2, and Layer3. Layer1 is set to link number 1. Layer4 (outside of the layer group) is also set to link number 1. If you move Layer4, Layer1 will move. If you move Layer2, Layer1 will not move.

Any more ideas? Great way to share and learn!

[valeri]

thanks Pam!! thats it! I just couldn't remember the name of it. silly cause I use it all the time! lol Works great for me

[scrapper97]

wow! that was confusing! lol!

i have PSP studio & will definitely have to see if i can do this tonight. i have noticed alot of similarities to the programs. it sure would beat moving each layer one by one to where you want it.

thanks, ladies!