problems with merging layers

When I get to merge the various adjustment layers [In PS] , I use flatten image. I tried merge visible but was surprised by the transformation that takes place; over saturation and high contrast with a rather inaccurate [colours and hue] overblown image. What baffles me is that this does not happen regularly but [It seems] at the program's whims.
Has anyone ever encountered this situation with PS CS4?
Cheers
Mark

magal,

I use PS7 not CS4, but I don't recognise the problem and I assume the two versions are similar.

Happens when one of the layers is not in "Normal" blend mode, or is clipped to a layer IIRC.

try this - ctrl (cmd), alt (option), shift + e

Thanks to all the replies....one querie on

Bobster wrote in post #8353556
try this - ctrl (cmd), alt (option), shift + e

Do you mean I do this when I have to merge the layers instead of using the layers tab?
Cheers
Mark

instead of ctrl+e to merge layers or going through the layers tab..

it merges all visible layers and creates a new layer from them (nothing is flattend)

Make sure you are on the top layer when using Stamp Visible

René Damkot wrote in post #8363372
Make sure you are on the top layer when using Stamp Visible

top layer = background layer?

The last layer I create is a background layer copy and on this I apply a low pass filter and noise reduction [when necessary]. Then I apply merge visible through the layers tab [whilst still on this layer]. Do you think this is what I'm doing wrong?

Post a screenshot of your layers palette.

What I meant was that you must be at the top of the layer stack, since if you do Cmd+Shift+Opt+e (Stamp Visible) the result will be one above where you are. So if you do a Stamp Visible while on your background layer (the lowest), then the Stamp visible will be just one above that. If you have for instance a bunch of curves / hue/sat / whatever adjustment layers on to, they will then be applied twice after the "stamping" is done....

Let me see if I can create an example...

Here;

The basis: image with curves adjustment layer:

René Damkot wrote in post #8364082
Post a screenshot of your layers palette.

What I meant was that you must be at the top of the layer stack, since if you do Cmd+****+Opt+e (Stamp Visible) the result will be one above where you are. So if you do a Stamp Visible while on your background layer (the lowest), then the Stamp visible will be just one above that. If you have for instance a bunch of curves / hue/sat / whatever adjustment layers on to, they will then be applied twice after the "stamping" is done....

Let me see if I can create an example...

Thanks for the super detailed explanation. I see what you mean and what I was actually doing. After finishing with usual curves, vibrance...etc etc, I create another layer for sharpening [Using low pass filter]. I do this by dragging the bg layer icon onto the create new layer icon and this effectively puts the new layer at the bottom of the layers pile. After that I merge layers, resulting in what you've so clearly explained.
It's much better now, knowing what's going on!
A big THANKYOU for all the answers and explanations.....boy this forum is top notch!!!!
Cheers
Mark

Well, what I explained above, applies to "Stamp Visible", not to "Merge Visible".

I think what you are doing is this:

You open an image, edit using adjustment layers, then copy the BG layer. (Cmd+J is faster then drag to the "copy layer" icon )

You then run the High Pass filter on the "Background copy" layer, and set blend mode Overlay or one of the other Contrast blend modes.

Then you do "merge visible", and your image changes?

I have tried, but *cannot* duplicate this.
If I take this image (sorry for the garish colors; not colormanaged screenshot), and use "Merge Visible" now, the image stays identical...

René Damkot wrote in post #8367690
Well, what I explained above, applies to "Stamp Visible", not to "Merge Visible".

I think what you are doing is this:

You open an image, edit using adjustment layers, then copy the BG layer. (Cmd+J is faster then drag to the "copy layer" icon )

You then run the High Pass filter on the "Background copy" layer, and set blend mode Overlay or one of the other Contrast blend modes.

Then you do "merge visible", and your image changes?

I have tried, but *cannot* duplicate this.
If I take this image (sorry for the garish colors; not colormanaged screenshot), and use "Merge Visible" now, the image stays identical...

I know I've seen it happen before however, and I think it had something to do with blend modes or clipping masks or so. Cannot remember what it was, and cannot replicate it either.
I'm curious what's happening though.

Can you post a screenshot of your layers palette, or put the .psd online somewhere to download? (small version like 600 px wide is plenty, as long as it's layered)

Yes, you've nailed the process I use exactly. I do use different blend modes in the various layers. What I noticed; when I click edit to undo the last process [after the tranformation], I get told 'undo stamp visible?' even though I'd used the merge visible tab in the first place. The layers are usually curves [normal], vibrance [normal], contrast/brightness [colour] and I end up with the bg copy as described above. Sometimes I might start the process with a reversed gradient [Soft light] and there might be selections that are tweaked in different layers. and sometimes saturation/hue to tweak a certain channel [normal].

Sorry I can't post anything just now - just started my work hitch yesterday - 4 weeks in the Sahara desert - at least I got internet

BTW - Is there a thread with all the PS keyboard shortcuts listed?
Thanks
Mark

If you did Cmd+Shift+Opt+e that's "Stamp Visible"
If you did Cmd+Shift+e that's "Merge Visible"

Shortcuts: http://www.photoshopsu​pport.com …r/keyboard-shortcuts.html

Note: In PSCS3 and PSCS4 you can change a lot of shortcuts. Also, in PSCS4 by default some shortcuts have changed.

René Damkot wrote in post #8368039
If you did Cmd+Shift+Opt+e that's "Stamp Visible"
If you did Cmd+Shift+e that's "Merge Visible"

Shortcuts: http://www.photoshopsu​pport.com …r/keyboard-shortcuts.html

Note: In PSCS3 and PSCS4 you can change a lot of shortcuts. Also, in PSCS4 by default some shortcuts have changed.

Thank you very much for all the help. I'll have a look in the evening after work.
[Should actually be working now but POTN keeps calling me to the w/shop computer for quick peeps]