Post by popcorn on Jun 4, 2021 16:46:18 GMT
Hi,
I am using Elements 2018 with Elements + add-on and Windows 10
I have made extensive edits to a portrait. I was getting confused with so many layers to deal with so, to simplify my life, I flattened the image and saved it.
I then opened the flattened image to continue editing.
Could I have just grouped all the layers together instead of flattening?
I am trying to use the method for "Sharpening Eyes and See Them Sparkle" ( www.essential-photoshop-elements.com/sharpen-eyes.html )
As per instruction, I made a duplicate of the new background layer and over-sharpened the layer using "unsharp mask". I named the layer, Layer1
"We want to create a Layer Mask to just reveal the sharpened eyes.
The next step was to create a Levels adjustment layer ( with no adjustments ) above Layer 1.
Here I encountered my first problem.
The instruction was "In the Layers palette click on that new Levels layer and drag it down until you see a double bold white line between the Background layer and Layer 1. Let go of the mouse button. This will place the Levels layer below Layer 1."
I am unable to drag the topmost Levels layer below Layer 1.
To work round this I added a blank layer above the levels layer and was then able to drag the level layer below layer 1.
I then deleted the top blank layer.
The next instruction was "Now we need to group the two Layers together so that the Level's Layer Mask acts like Layer 1's Layer Mask.
Click on Layer 1 to make it active. Go up to the Layers menu and choose" Group with previous".
My problem is that in my version of Elements 2018, there is no "Group with previous", and I can't find a workaround .
I am not sure why I have to use the levels mask combined with Layer 1, why can't I just add a layer mask to layer 1?
I would appreciate your explanation of what the significance is of using the levels Adjustment mask and, if it is really necessary to do so, a possible workaround for the lack of the "Group with Previous" function.
I am using Elements 2018 with Elements + add-on and Windows 10
I have made extensive edits to a portrait. I was getting confused with so many layers to deal with so, to simplify my life, I flattened the image and saved it.
I then opened the flattened image to continue editing.
Could I have just grouped all the layers together instead of flattening?
I am trying to use the method for "Sharpening Eyes and See Them Sparkle" ( www.essential-photoshop-elements.com/sharpen-eyes.html )
As per instruction, I made a duplicate of the new background layer and over-sharpened the layer using "unsharp mask". I named the layer, Layer1
"We want to create a Layer Mask to just reveal the sharpened eyes.
The next step was to create a Levels adjustment layer ( with no adjustments ) above Layer 1.
Here I encountered my first problem.
The instruction was "In the Layers palette click on that new Levels layer and drag it down until you see a double bold white line between the Background layer and Layer 1. Let go of the mouse button. This will place the Levels layer below Layer 1."
I am unable to drag the topmost Levels layer below Layer 1.
To work round this I added a blank layer above the levels layer and was then able to drag the level layer below layer 1.
I then deleted the top blank layer.
The next instruction was "Now we need to group the two Layers together so that the Level's Layer Mask acts like Layer 1's Layer Mask.
Click on Layer 1 to make it active. Go up to the Layers menu and choose" Group with previous".
My problem is that in my version of Elements 2018, there is no "Group with previous", and I can't find a workaround .
I am not sure why I have to use the levels mask combined with Layer 1, why can't I just add a layer mask to layer 1?
I would appreciate your explanation of what the significance is of using the levels Adjustment mask and, if it is really necessary to do so, a possible workaround for the lack of the "Group with Previous" function.
