Merging Layers in PSE

[craftytam]

I hope I can make this question make sense!! LOL!

I'm working with a double-page template with a lot of papers. I want to keep it as a double page.

I read that I can merge the paper with the template pieces to make the file smaller. (the whole page is currently at 2.40G and I'm not done!)

So, this is what I've done:

Add paper & clip to template piece (in this case it's a frame)

In the Layers Panel - Choose both layers & right click - then choose "Merge Layers"

When I do this, the entire thing disappears!!

What am I doing wrong???? :36_1_19:

Thanks for any help!

 

[Colleen]

I have CS5, so I can't be much help. However, when I merge my two (or more) layers in CS5 (I use the keyboard shortcut), the two layers merge, and I can still see them.

I hope someone can help you figure it out. Merging layers is something I use every time I create a layout or template!

 

[craftytam]

Thanks, Colleen!! I know I should be able to do it! Hopefully someone can figure out what I'm doing wrong

 

[GingerScraps]

Well that is odd!
I also use CS, and that has never happened to me. I merge layers the whole constantly.
Have you tried using the keyboard shortcut?
Look up what the keyboard shortcut is for merging layers in your version PSE and try that.

 

[Colleen]

Have you tried shutting down PSE or restarting your computer? Maybe there's just a glitch and that will help fix it! I know sometimes that's all it takes. lol

 

[craftytam]

Well that is odd!
I also use CS, and that has never happened to me. I merge layers the whole constantly.
Have you tried using the keyboard shortcut?
Look up what the keyboard shortcut is for merging layers in your version PSE and try that.

Thanks, Ginger! I tried this, but had the same issue.

 

[GingerScraps]

Darn it :/

 

[craftytam]

Have you tried shutting down PSE or restarting your computer? Maybe there's just a glitch and that will help fix it! I know sometimes that's all it takes. lol

Colleen, yes, I just reopened & tried again, but got had the same issue I'm sure it's something easy...LOL!

 

[craftytam]

Darn it :/

Yep!

 

[Sarah]

I always go to the bottom layer and right-click "merge layers"

Make sure the layers aren't linked (with the little infinity/paperclip/belt-buckle symbol. SOMETIMES that can cause issues.
Smart objects also cause issues. PSE creates everything as a smart layer. Make sure the layer you're clipping isn't a smart object. I just tested with PSE 14 and I couldn't merge clipping masks when the bottom layer of the set was a smart object.
Just right-click on that layer and hit "simplify layer"

 

[craftytam]

That worked, Sarah!! Thank you so much!!

 

[Sarah]

You're welcome! Glad it worked!

 

[GingerScraps]

Oh good! Thanks Sarah!!