Can't merge layers in Ver. 7...argh!

[Danae]

I just started using Painter 7 since buying a new computer. I'm running Mac OS 10.2.8.

I can't figure out how to take two layers and squash the damn things together. I can get as far as selecting both layers and grouping them, but when I go to the "collapse" command, it's grayed out. According to the manual, this is should work.

Am I missing something here?

[Jin]

Hi,

If any of the grouped Layers are set to a Composite Method other than Default, the Collapse option will be greyed out.

One solution is to highlight both Layers, use the Drop and Select command (in the Layers palette menu), then click inside the selection to lift it to a Layer. Now your Layers are collapsed and the transparent areas are still transparent.

Another option is to close the Eye icons for Layers you don't want to collapse, then use File > Clone, you'll get an exact copy of whatever was visible, including the Canvas which will always be opaque whether or not it's painted.

For instance, if you have a blank white Canvas and two Layers, one set to Composite Method Default and the other set to Composite Method Gel and parts of each Layer are transparent, when you use File Clone the result will be what you see in the two Layers but now they're on a white background (from the Canvas).

[Danae]

Ah...there we go! I usually have my lineart set to "multiply. No wonder I could never merge that layer with another. Thanks!