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Post by kylesgranma on Aug 18, 2016 20:40:22 GMT
I use elements 7 and I'm adding a text layer to a photo,but when I try to use ctrl G, I can't. If I take the text layer off I can. Is there a way to use ctrl G and keep the text layer?
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Post by Major Major on Aug 18, 2016 20:54:56 GMT
Do any of the other methods work, such as Layer | Create Clipping Mask?
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 18, 2016 20:55:01 GMT
I replicated what you are trying to do in Elements 7. There is no problem. I did Ctrl-G and the Text layer grouped with the background layer below. You need to have the Text layer activated and not the background layer. Just in case there is a problem with the shortcut, try going through the Layer menu (Layer>Group with Previous). See if it works.
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 18, 2016 20:57:47 GMT
You could also try this other way . . .
In the Layers panel -- Hold down the Alt key and then move the cursor over the line which separates the two layers you want to group. The cursor will turn into two linked circles. When this happens click once; Elements will group the two layers together, |
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Post by Major Major on Aug 18, 2016 21:35:42 GMT
Or, do what I suggested.
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 18, 2016 21:49:45 GMT
It's not clear to me what you want your end result to be. If you are trying to merge your text layer with your photo layer, you need to simplify the text layer (that is, turn it into a graphics layer). You cannot merge a text layer and another layer without having the text layer simplified. To simplify a text layer, right click on the text layer, choose 'simplify' and your text layer will turn into a graphics layer. Note: Once you do that, you can no longer edit the text layer. While on the now simplifed text layer, choose 'merge down' Your photo and your text are now one thing - no longer two layers. (There is no need to use clipping/grouping, i.e., Control G)   |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 18, 2016 21:51:47 GMT
Yes, indeed. We are both on the same wavelength. Same technique, different command names. In Elements 7, the command is "Group with Previous".
Do any of the other methods work, such as Layer | Create Clipping Mask? Just in case there is a problem with the shortcut, try going through the Layer menu (Layer Group with Previous).
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 18, 2016 22:24:11 GMT
It's not clear to me what you want your end result to be. If you are trying to merge your text layer with your photo layer, you need to simplify the text layer (that is, turn it into a graphics layer). You cannot merge a text layer and another layer without having the text layer simplified.
I am afraid that simplifying the Text layer has no bearing on this issue. My screen shot shows that I have NOT simplified the Text layer and still Elements merged it with the layer below. No problem!
Simplifying a Text layer comes into play when you are trying to do things such as apply a filter or add a given effect. This doesn't seem to be the case here.
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 18, 2016 22:47:31 GMT
Now I am totally baffled.
I figured she was trying to make one layer out of both items - which cannot be accomplished without simplifying the text layer.
Wish OP was here to clarify what she is trying to accomplish.
However, I did learn something. Yes, I can group my text layer with my photo layer without simplifying the text layer. But, if I group my photo layer and my title layer - what have I accomplished? It serves no purpose that I can see.
I'm going to wait until OP jumps back into this thread.
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 18, 2016 23:17:36 GMT
Now I am totally baffled. I figured she was trying to make one layer out of both items - which cannot be accomplished without simplifying the text layer.
And I added to the confusion by posting the wrong screen shot in my previous post. I will fix it shortly.
This is the scenario.
It does NOT matter if . . .
1. The OP is trying to group (Ctrl-G) the Text layer with the layer underneath it .
OR
2. The OP is trying to merge (Ctrl-E) the Text layer with the layer underneath it.
In either case, it is NOT necessary to simplify the Text layer. My corrected screen post will show that you can make "one layer out of both items", i.e., merge the Text layer with the layer below without having to first simplify the Text layer. Please, refer to my corrected screen shot.
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 19, 2016 0:27:45 GMT
If I right click on my text layer before simplifying my text layer, I do not have the option of merge down.  After simplifying the text layer, I have the option of merge down  |
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 19, 2016 0:34:15 GMT
For kicks, here's my photo with the text - got this shot last night.  |
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 19, 2016 3:10:50 GMT
If I right click on my text layer before simplifying my text layer, I do not have the option of merge down. After simplifying the text layer, I have the option of merge down
I hope this additional information will bring this issue to a closure. Also, I want to make sure that the OP as well as new users of Elements won't be misled.
Elements is designed to be able to merge a text layer and a photo layer without the need to first simplify the text layer. You can use the shortcut (Ctrl-E, Cmmd-E on a Mac), you can do Layer>Merge Down, or you can right-click on the text layer and select "Merge Down".
I believe there is a very simple explanation why you don't have the "Merge Down" option when you right-click on the Text layer. You seem to be right-clicking on the layer name. You need to right-click on the layer thumbnail. Then, as my screen shot shows, the text layer is not simplified but the "Merge Down" option is readily available.
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Post by cats4jan on Aug 19, 2016 3:24:04 GMT
I never click on the thumbnail to use right click. I would never have discovered that I needed to do that.
Don't you just love how screenshots help clear up these issues.
Thanks for that clarification.
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Post by Sepiana on Aug 19, 2016 3:31:17 GMT
I never click on the thumbnail to use right click. I would never have discovered that I needed to do that. This applies to a text layer (the focus of this thread). When it comes to a photo layer, it doesn't matter where you right-click -- on the thumbnail or on the layer name. Either way the "Merge Down" option will be available. |
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