Adobe Photoshop CS3 - Manual (Page 299)

PHOTOSHOP CS3
User Guide
292
Stamp multiple layers or linked layers
When you stamp multiple selected layers or linked layers, Photoshop creates a new layer containing the merged
content.
1 Select multiple layers.
2 Press Ctrl+Alt+E (Windows) or Command+Option+E (Mac OS).
Stamp all visible layers
1 Turn visibility on for the layers you want to merge.
2 Do one of the following:
• Press Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E (Windows) or Shift+Command+Option+E (Mac OS).
• Hold down Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac OS), and choose Layer > Merge Visible.
Photoshop creates a new layer containing the merged content.
Flatten all layers
Flattening reduces file size by merging all visible layers into the background and discarding hidden layers. Any trans-
parent areas that remain are filled with white. When you save a flattened image, you cannot revert back to the unflat-
tened state; the layers are permanently merged.
Note: Converting an image between some color modes flattens the file. Save a copy of your file with all layers intact if
you want to edit the original image after the conversion.
1 Make sure that all the layers you want to keep are visible.
2 Choose Layer > Flatten Image, or choose Flatten Image from the Layers palette menu.
Setting opacity and blending
Specify opacity for a layer or group
A layer’s opacity determines to what degree it obscures or reveals the layer beneath it. A layer with 1% opacity appears
nearly transparent, whereas one with 100% opacity appears completely opaque.
Note: You cannot change the opacity of a background layer or a locked layer. You can, however, convert a background
layer into a regular layer, which does support transparency. See “Convert background and layers” on page 280.
1 Select a layer or group in the Layers palette.
2 Do one of the following:
• In the Layers palette, enter a value in the Opacity text box or drag the Opacity pop-up slider.
• Choose Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options. Enter a value in the Opacity text box or drag the Opacity pop-up
slider.
• Select the Move tool and type a number indicating the percentage of opacity.
Note: To view blending options for a text layer, choose Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options, or choose Blending
Options from the Add A Layer Style button at the bottom of the Layers palette menu.