Stamp Visible - Save Layers

In their books, Martin Evening and Vincent Versace recommend using Stamp Visible and not flattening layers so that the layers will be available for re-editing.
It appears to me that if layers are stamped into a new layer, the stamped layer and subsequent layers must be deleted in order to re-edit the layers that were stamped. This results in the layers not being re-editable along with creating huge file sizes.
I may be misunderstanding the use of Stamp Visible layers. Please explain where my misunderstanding is, and give examples of how saving layers that have been stamped can be used in an efficient workflow, taking file size into account.
Thank you.

Haven't looked at the book, but the terminology you're using, "Stamp Visible layer" isn't ringing any bells for me... Is this a term the authors have coined?
Are you describing the technique where you create a transparent layer over the top of your image, then clone / fill / paint on it to correct defects in the image? You end up with the original image and an "acetate-like" layer over the top of it where you have just the corrections. You can, for example, blink this layer on and off to see all you've corrected.
I suppose you can erase just parts of it easily enough (Eraser tool) and re-correct just those parts.
I don't usually work that way myself, but I do do it now and then (e.g., when turning a photo into a painting with the mixer brush), and I have seen others do so on occasion.
-Noel

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Painting Process Documentation: Stamp Visible, Move to layer Set and hide

I like to capture my screen while painting and when I am done I make an animated GIF from these "process shots". I am trying to automatize the process and I have managed to come up with this which meets my needs:
#target photoshop
app.bringToFront();
// Stamp visible Layers
var idMrgV = charIDToTypeID( "MrgV" );
    var desc2 = new ActionDescriptor();
    var idDplc = charIDToTypeID( "Dplc" );
    desc2.putBoolean( idDplc, true );
executeAction( idMrgV, desc2, DialogModes.NO );
// Move Active Layer to the Bottom of LayerSet "process"
var activeLayer = activeDocument.activeLayer;
    var processFolder = activeDocument.layerSets.getByName("process")
    activeDocument.activeLayer.moveToEnd (processFolder);
Now I would like to add a conditional to check, whether or not the "process" layer-set exists and if it does not, create it. This should look something like this:
// Process Image Capture
// V 0.3
// PIC Stamps Visible (creates a new layer that combines all visible information in flattened form) and moves that to a "process" Layer Set.
// Layer is then hidden.
// If Layer Set is not there, it will be created.
#target photoshop
app.bringToFront();
// Check for "Process" Layer-Set on root. Create, in case it is not present.
if (!activeDocument.layerSets.getByName("process")) {
     activeDocument.LayerSets.add();
     activeDocument.LayerSets.name = "process";
/* else {
// Stamp visible Layers
var idMrgV = charIDToTypeID( "MrgV" );
    var desc2 = new ActionDescriptor();
    var idDplc = charIDToTypeID( "Dplc" );
    desc2.putBoolean( idDplc, true );
executeAction( idMrgV, desc2, DialogModes.NO );
// Move Active Layer to the Bottom of LayerSet "process"
    var activeLayer = activeDocument.activeLayer;
    var processFolder = activeDocument.layerSets.getByName("process")
    activeDocument.activeLayer.moveToEnd (processFolder);
    activeDocument.activeLayer.visibility = false;
The condition seems to be what causes the problem, but I have no idea how to fix it. Can somebody help?

Ok, here is the script that does the deed, it requires an additional function to catch what getByName() returns.
// Process Image Capture
// V 1.0
// PIC Stamps Visible (creates a new layer that combines all visible information in flattened form) and moves that to a "process" Layer Set.
// Layer is then hidden.
// If Layer Set is not there, it will be created.
#target photoshop
app.bringToFront();
// Check for "Process" Layer-Set on root. Create, in case it is not present.
if (!hasRootLayer("process")) {
    var addedLayer = activeDocument.layerSets.add();
    addedLayer.name = "process";
// Stamp visible Layers
var idMrgV = charIDToTypeID( "MrgV" );
    var desc2 = new ActionDescriptor();
    var idDplc = charIDToTypeID( "Dplc" );
    desc2.putBoolean( idDplc, true );
executeAction( idMrgV, desc2, DialogModes.NO );
// Move Active Layer to the Bottom of LayerSet "process"
    var activeLayer = activeDocument.activeLayer;
    var processFolder = activeDocument.layerSets.getByName("process")
    activeDocument.activeLayer.moveToEnd (processFolder);
    activeDocument.activeLayer.visibility = false;
// Function to check whether "process" layer exists, passes result back as a boolean
    function hasRootLayer(layerName){
    var hasProcessLayer = false;
    try{
        hasProcessLayer = (typeof activeDocument.layerSets.getByName(layerName) != "undefined");
    }catch(e){}
    return hasProcessLayer;

Can't save layered .psd files in Photoshop CS3

Hello,
I noticed yesterday that I can no longer save layered .psd files to any folder. What does get saved is only a generic file symbol.
I'm using a Dell 8200 computer, 1GB of RAM, IntelPentium4 processer, Windows XP Professional,and a Canon MP780 multiple function printer.
Please help.
Thanks,
George Masi

Is it saved incorrectly, or is the problem just that the icon is the generic one. In other words, can you A) click to open the file from the desktop. And, b) if you can't click from the desktop, can you open the file from within Photoshop, and see the layers correctly.
If B works, and A does not, then this means your Windows has lost the association between PSD files and Photoshop. You can often correct this by right clicking the file, and choosing Open With, with the Always open with this program field checked. There is also a way to set the icons back up, but this is more complicated.

How to make the TARGET of clone stamp 2 simultaneous layers?

Does anyone know how to make the TARGET of the clone stamp, multiple simultaneous layers? Or maybe more accurately, how to clone stamp the top layer and have the layer underneath doing the exact same cloning simultaneously. Or maybe a workaround? I've tried linking the layers, and multiple layer selection with no joy.
Here is what I'm trying to do. I'm duplicating a layer, then applying LucisArt to one of the layers to greatly exaggerate local contrast. Though I'm not using LucisArt as the final, I want to use it to assist in smoothing blotchy skies, banding, and finding hidden camera sensor dust spots.
I want to clone stamp on the LucisArt layer so I can watch my progress, but also have the underlying layer doing the exact clone stamping at the same time. Thanks ... Aaron

Thanks everyone.
Dennis, You are correct. I know how to selectively apply the LucisArt filter, that's not what I'm looking for. I want my end result to have NO LucisArt effect at all. I'm trying to use the LucisArt layer to drastically exaggerate flaws such as camera sensor dust, AND I want to correct these flaws on the LucisArt layer where they are obvious. The LucisArt layer is only for reference. But the trick is to get CS3 to do to the non LucisArt layer, exactly what I did to the LucisArt layer.
So imagine I have this otherwise nice photo, but the photographer (this happened) had an amazingly dirty sensor. Half of the dust spots I can hardly see, but the client wants it super clean. So I duplicate the layer so I have two exactly the same. I then apply a strong LucisArt filter the top layer which reveals all the spots including many I couldn't see on the original layer. I'd like to fix all these spots with the clone stamp tool on the LucisArt layer where I can see them easily, then toss that layer. The original below would have all those spots fixed, but sampled from it's own layer and stamped to it's own layer.
As it is, I can click the LucisArt layer on, place my finger on the spot, then turn that layer off and hopefully see the spot and remove it from the layer underneath. Very tedious indeed.
... Aaron

Stamp Visible not allowing me to make adjustments

I'm using Photoshop CC. After using a process known as frequency separation the stamp visible layer does not allow me to use any tools to make adjustments. Is this a bug or am I doing something wrong?

I think I discovered what my problem was caused from. When using the frequency separation technique I used on the top layer an apply image command which looks like a high pass filter has been appleied. When setting blend mode to linear light on screen I get an image which no longer looks like it is being covered by 50% gray. When attempting the stamp visible command on this layer Photoshop interprets the top layer as hidden thus causing my problem with the stamp visible layer. On top of my last frequency separation layer I added a curves adjustment layer and immediately applied the stamp visible shortcut which created a layer where the previous layer is no longer hidden and I'm able to use tools for further adjustments. Short version I was screwing up.

Photo changes tones when i add a new Stamp Visible Layer!

When i make adjustments like for example adding a Posterise layer! lets say i would like to Stamp visible, shift+alt +command+E for mac. My photo changes tones slightly!!
Why does this happen??

Does it happen if you first set the photo to 100% view (actual pixels) and then do Stamp Visible?
View>100% or double click on the Zoom Tool in the toolbox.

Hello, is there a way to export or save layers from Indesign to separate png or pdf -files?

Hello, is there a way to export or save layers from Indesign to separate png or pdf -files? I have a Indesign document with serveral layers and I need them as separate png files.
I know that is is possible with Illustrator but can't find it for Indesign.
Thanks a lot.

The script Peter's noting is in #122 here:
how to export indesign layers to photoshop layers (same structure)
It is OSX only and exports PDFs for creating Photoshop layers. The exported PDFs get trashed so if you can use AppleScript I can edit out the Photoshop part post a version that only saves the PDFs

Change Stamp Visible keyboard shortcut?

I have looked through all the menu keyboard shortcuts and of course have found Merge Visible which doen't help me. I don't see anything in keyboard shortcuts that lets me change Shift+Ctrl+Alt+E to something different. Exactly what is that shortcut called in PS CS5, where do I find it?
Thanks,
Tim

Sure does seem to be missing from the obvious places, doesn't it? Probably because it's not actually in a menu anywhere.
Recording an action does yield a bit of a clue... It records as Merge Visible With Duplicate:
The Alt seems to add the "With Duplicate".
Just a guess, but based on the above, if you were to change the Merge Visible shortcut to something besides Control-Shift-E you might find that adding Alt to whatever you assign to that function would be a Stamp Visible operation. I didn't try that.
Or you could record an action as above and assign it a function key.
-Noel

PSE4: save layers to separate files?

Is it possible to save layers to separate files on Photoshop Elements 4? I want to create an animation, but I want each slide to have a different time. When I Save for Web and select Animation, all layers have the same timing.

No, the only way to do this with PSE is to duplicate layers so that the same one appears longer. So for instance, let's say you have three real frames and you want the first and last ones to appear for 2 seconds and the middle one for four: make a four framed image by duping the middle frame so it's in view for twice as long.
For anything more elaborate than that, you need a different program, I'm afraid.

How to save layers of a PSD file?

I am a software developer and I have received a PSD file from a client. I need to be able to save the individual layers so I can apply them to the user interface. I've tried some suggestions from on-line sources but I'm still not able to export the images. The image below is what I am seeing for layers.
All suggestions appreciated.

The problem is that Photoshop Elements does not natively open layer sets. You'll either have to have your client send you the PSD file(s) with the layers not in layer sets or find a workaround.
(You try a trial of Photoshop if you haven't tried out CS5 yet and do it in Photoshop. While you have the trial, you could record an action to open layer sets that could be used in Elements if you decide not to purchase Photoshop. See the Elements thread I linked...Post 6 which gives details on how to write that action.)
http://www.adobe.com/downloads/
Some have found that you can open them if you use an action. There is a link to a freebie action written for E7 on the Elements Village forum. I don't have any personal experience with the action nor know if it still works in E8. You'll have to register to get access to the action file but the registration page says it's free (unless otherwise specified). I'm not a member of this particular site so can't say what the otherwise specified means.
See post #6 on this page which gives details on how the action is written and where to install along with an action that has a download link:
http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48026

Photos fail to print after editing with clone stamp tool and layers

After editing using the clone stamp tool and using layers the photos fail to print. I even tried a simple crop edit and the photo failed to print.
Photos print without editing.

Im working on a Mac OX 10.9.4 and Photoshop Elements 12 for Mac
I tried printing from Organizer and editor and I have the image saved on my desktop
I don't receive an error when I try to print. The message usually reads: Printing, 2% complete or 13% complete.
I have left it sit overnight but it never produced a photo.
The printer is new: HP Envy 5400 and I have no problem printing photos from I Photo.

Action to save layers to web

Hi everyone,
I have a photoshop file with about 100 layers. Each of the layers are named and need to be saved for the web. Is it possible to create an action that will automatically save each of the layers (via the save for web dialogue), one-by-one, and name them according to the layer name? If yes, would I be able to get the steps needed to achieve this?
Appreciate any advice.

That’s out of the scope of straight Actions, but there is a Script (File – Scripts – Export Layers to Files) that will probably almost fit Your needs – the naming conventions may not be to Your liking and it does not use the SFW-dialog, but You could ask in the Scripting Forum for help tweaking it.

Is it possible to perform Clone Stamping on two layers simultaneously?

Hi,
I have two layers, one is a colour stone texture, another is a black and white heightmap of the same image.
I want to repair a few areas, but it's essential that the two layers stay in sync, i.e. whatever cloning is done to the colour layer must be the same on the heightmap layer.
Neither layer contains any transparency.
If not is there any other way I can achieve the same end result?
Thanks
Steve

I don’t think this is easily achieved as Clone Stamping does not record as an Action.
One rather clumsy work-around would be to work with Smart Objects –
• convert one Layer to a SO
• copy, move and mask that to cover a blemish
• repeat as necessary
Then
• duplicate the file and
• replace the SO’s content with the other Layer and update
This would be reasonable only with a very small number of corrections and/or smallish files, though.

How to save layered PDD file as JPG?

Hi, folks:
[running Photoshop CS3 under Windows XP Pro/SP3 ]
I have a PSD file with about 14 layers. A few are hidden. I want to save as a jpg, so I go to file -> save as and save as a jpg file (the yellow alert icon shows next to "layers" in the save dialog). Yet the resulting jpg looks just fine. I've been doing this for years.
Today, support told me in case #180459305 that doing that would corrupt the jpg. They said that I need to first merge layers in the PSD file, then save as a jpg.
They also suggested that I post this question here. So here it is. Do I have to go through the extra step in manually flattening the PSD file (and potential pitfall of mistakenly saving it as a PSD and losing my layers forever)?
Thanks,
Fred

Hi, Ed, J:
Thanks for your responses!
His explanation was as follows:
Save the layered PSD as a jpg. When you do so, a yellow exclamation alert appears next to "layers" in the save dialogue box. He said this means that the file will be corrupted if it is saved.
Now I believe it means that layers will be merged during the process of saving as a jpg, and I said so. He said no, let me prove it to you:
Go to Image->mode-> and set 16 bits per channel. Then save as a jpg. You will notice that there is no way to save an image as a jpg. Now how the hell that proves his former point is beyond me.
Now for the biggest laugh of the day: he said (in case#180459305) that if you copy or rename files using the filesystem filemanager (e.g., the desktop or windows explorer), that it would open the file to copy or rename it and then rewrite it, thus cause lossy image degradation.
I told him (politely) that he was wrong - that renaming a file does not open it - it simply updates directory information about the file, and that copying a file (outside of photoshop) does a byte-for-byte clone of the file and does not degrade image quality.
Where do they get these purported "experts"????
Cheers,
Fred

How do I save layers, and open them in another program?

When I use the layer function and change an image it works great. My problem is when I save the image to a folder and try to open it in a picture viewer all images can be seen but the one I did a layer for. That image shows up as a cs5 icon. I can't burn the image to a disk and print it out. I am frustrated beyond beliefe. Can anyone help me?

But on every layer at least one item.
Activate in the Layer's Panel menu "Paste Remember Layers"
Copy it from the old document
Paste it into the new document
Take care, if a layer with the same name exists all items from that layer will be pasted to that layer, missing layers will be added at the top.
You have to take care that the layer have the same order as in the old document, otherwise things might get messed up.

Stamp Visible - Save Layers

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