What does it mean to flatten image in Photoshop?

Flattening is merging all visible layers into the background layer to reduce file size. The image on the right shows the Layers panel after flattening.

What is the difference between merge layers and flatten image?

Merging layers combines several selected Photoshop Creative Suite 5 layers into one layer. Flattening occurs when you reduce all Photoshop layers to one background layer. To keep down file size, you may choose to merge some layers or even flatten the entire image to one background layer.

Should you flatten image Photoshop?

Benefits. Flattening an image significantly reduces the file size, making it easier to export to the web and print the image. Sending a file with layers to a printer takes longer because each layer is essentially an individual image, which drastically increases the amount of data that needs to be processed.

What is the shortcut to flatten an image in Photoshop?

06. Flatten layers

  1. MAC: Cmd+Alt+Shift+E.
  2. WINDOWS: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E.

Should I flatten or merge layers in Photoshop?

So, if you want to only combine a certain group of two or more layers within your document, then you should definitely use the Merge Layers command instead of the Flatten Image one. The Merge Layers command causes Photoshop to simply skip invisible layers and leave them intact.

How do I flatten an image?

Ensure that all the layers you want to retain are visible. Photoshop CS6 discards all hidden layers. Choose Layer→Flatten Image or select Flatten Image from the Layers panel menu. The transparent areas of your flattened image are filled with the background color and appear as a background layer in the Layers panel.

What is Ctrl V in Photoshop?

Paste in Place. Shift + Ctrl + V. Cmd + Shift + V. Paste Into. Alt + Shift + Ctrl + V.

Should I merge layers?

How do I flatten a JPEG image?

To Flatten Image Layers:

  1. Open your image in Photoshop.
  2. Choose the Layers menu from the top menu bar and select Flatten Image.
  3. Resave the image as a . jpg, . gif or png.

Can I flatten an image in Photoshop?

Flattening is usually reserved for when you’re completely finished editing your image and is a good way to make your file size smaller. To flatten a Photoshop CS6 image, follow these steps: Choose Layer→Flatten Image or select Flatten Image from the Layers panel menu.

How to flatten an image in Adobe Photoshop cs6-dummies?

Photoshop CS6 All-in-One For Dummies. Choose Layer→Flatten Image or select Flatten Image from the Layers panel menu. The transparent areas of your flattened image are filled with the background color and appear as a background layer in the Layers panel.

How to get rid of hidden layers in Photoshop CS6?

Photoshop CS6 discards all hidden layers. Choose Layer→Flatten Image or select Flatten Image from the Layers panel menu. The transparent areas of your flattened image are filled with the background color and appear as a background layer in the Layers panel.

How to undo the flattening process in Photoshop?

Open the “Window” menu and select “History” to display the History panel. Look for the “Plane Image” step in the list of states of history. Click on the history location just before “Flatten Image” in the History panel. Undoing the flat process will restore your layered composition.

What to do if you cannot unflatten an image in Photoshop?

If you cannot unflatten an image in Photoshop, how do you isolate a portion of the your document without having to delete pixels, espcially if you are dealing with images that have borders and sit on top of colored images? Open the “Window” menu and select “History” to display the History panel.