Saving Layer Sets

chilterns · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 5:05 am Post subject: Saving Layer Sets

I am using Layers for skin smoothing and have grouped them into a Layer Set (Window 7 and PS CS). This all works fine - I go through all the processes, flatten the layers and save the image, no problem.

The problem is after this my Layer Set vanishes. I have searched through all the menus and there is no sign of it. Presumably there must be some way of saving the Set for future use ?

thehermit · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 5:19 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forum. Why flatten the layers, surely that makes the point of layers redundant? You destroy your layer set when you flatten.

chilterns · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 6:29 am Post subject:

I tried not flattening the layers, then exiting PS, reopening PS and still the set is nowhere to be found.

I was using a smoothing technique by Joel Grimes at http://web.me.com/joelgrimes/Joel_Grimes_Photography/Skin_Smoothing.html

jerryb4417 · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 11:24 am Post subject:

hi,
if underdstand correctly, the issue is mergin (flattening) the layers and you lose the orginal layers... maybe this tip will help...

turn on the layers you want to merge

put a blank layer above the stack...

then do a ctrl+shift+alt+E (for windows) Or (shift+cmd+option+E for mac) and this will merge the active layers and yet retain the orginal layers!!!!!
I hope that helps..

thehermit · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:20 pm Post subject:

Not contradicting per se, just interjecting.

ctrl+shift+alt+E is a layer stamp there is no need to put a blank layer. Ctrl+Shift+E is merge all layers

jerryb4417 · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 12:27 pm Post subject:

hi the hermit...
oh ok... ididn't notice you didn't have to do that with pscs5.. inmyolder ps I used to have you had to... well that save me a step... smiling.... anything that saves step is great.. thank you

chilterns · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2012 5:20 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your help jerry and thehermit.

I tried ctrl+shift+alt+E, but this only opens the layer pallet for the image they were originally intended for - I am not able to use these layers on a susequent image.

Also it does not seem to work if I put them in a Layer Set.

thehermit · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 4:03 am Post subject:

I have read the tutorial and all it asks you to do is flatten and repeat. The layers that you have flattened are just that flattened, you will have to re-create them again, indeed it does instruct you to do just that. Nowhere in the tutorial does it say reuse the layers created.

So the steps are run the skin smoothing via the layers as instructed and then flatten the layers. Then repeat the steps at 200% view to make sure that 'you work out any imperfections'. The final optional step is to apply the wet look through a colour range selection.

So to be clear, when you flatten the layers, you lose all attributes that are associated with them or at least they become fixed and non adjustable. I don't suppose this is the time to go in to Smart Objects as the tutorial doesn't require it, but you may want to do some background reading on them.

chilterns · Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2012 8:23 am Post subject:

Thanks thehermit,

Looks like I have to re create the layers each time I want to use them.

Copyright © 2003-2016. PhotoshopForums.com, iFroggy Network. All Rights Reserved. Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group. phpBB SEO. Privacy Policy. We are in no way affiliated with Adobe. Photoshop, Adobe and related marks are registered trademarks of Adobe.