Photoshop Layer Style Changes Color

[squirrl811]

I have had a nagging issue when I use Photoshop. Basically, I have been applying layer styles to portions of my image, and tweaking it until it looks just right (such as glow sizes and such). The layer blend mode remains at "Normal" and "100%". Now, I want to simplify and merge some of my layers that contain these styles, and when I do, the effects turn into an ugly mess. My smooth contours and even gradients become more jagged and appear to change in intensity.

I was wondering if anyone had some ideas on why this is happening? Is it something I am doing wrong? Perhaps there is some fluke to using the program that I do not know about? It has been frusterating to get something to look "just right" and then to loose the effect once I try to simplify or merge the layer.

Any insight is appreciated!

[ironikart]

Put simply - merge any layers with styles applied onto blank layers first, then merge them together.

[squirrl811]

Thanks for the quick response. I tried merging each layer onto a blank one first, and ran into the same problem. Interestingly enough, I found that using the "Flatten Image" command gives me an unchanged image just fine, but then I lose all of my layers to just one. I suppose some careful cut/paste (and extra saves) with the Flatten command may be a workaround, but it still strikes me as odd. I had assumed the Flatten Image command was just a quick way to merge all layers at once, rather than issuing individual "Merge" commands, but that is not the case if I am getting different images as a result.

I have attached before / after pictures of a small button that uses layer styles. Notice that after the merge, the white highlights have increased dramatically and the inner ring around the blue part has turned white.

Again, thanks for the help and any additional ideas are appreciated!

[.soulty]

hmm one way you could do it, is to copy merged. which is when you make a selection around a object and then go to edit/ copy merged (make sure a active or visible layer is selected) then you can paste the merged image where you would like it.

the trick in your case would be to hide all the layers you dont want in that object, leave the background transparent then copy merged the object, then unhide the next object and hide the other layer and do the same, until you have all the objects merged in their individual way.

[simplistik]

Link them all then choose, on the arrow in your layers pallete choose merged linked. That will get you what you want... i know this for a fact :D

[squirrl811]

Thanks for your help. Yes, I think what you suggested would probably be the best work around for this. I still find it an odd behavior of the program that it changes my image, but I can't dwell on it forever if I have a good way around it. I know the differences were minor in my samples, but on a larger document the differences were more severe.

Again, thanks for the suggestions.

[.soulty]

yeah you are right simplistik , but sometimes when you merge linked layers you can lose certain aspect of that layer style or if your using layer modes.

copy merge will give you a exact replication of whats shown on screen. its tedious but it can sometimes give you better results when you bump into error when merging linked layers.