Adobe Photoshop/unmerge image

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Expert: - 11/21/2005


Question
Hi LizaL,

I have a Photoshop image that i made a while ago.  It has three layers but has been merged. I want to unmerge the image so i can edit each layer. I've tried new layer from background but it doesn't give me that option, instead it gives me 'new background from layer'.  So i'm stuck.  Can you help?

Thanks

Paul

Answer
Hi Paul,

If you've created the file, merged the layers, and have saved the file, sorry -- you won't be able to "unmerge" the layers.

On the other hand, if you're in the process of working and merge layers and don't save the file, you can go back using your History palette, or use the Undo command to undo the merge.

But once you've merged layers and then saved your file, the merge is permanent.

Lisa

Adobe Photoshop

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LizaL

Expertise

I've used Photoshop since the release of version 2. I taught college commercial art and graphic design for 10 years, and within that realm, taught Photoshop at every level, and with each successive product upgrade. My experience with Photoshop is thus extensive and well-rounded, from photo retouching to color adjustment to incorporating Photoshop and ImageReady into Web design. I am primarily a Mac user (since 1985), but am also PC-savvy.

Experience

I've been a graphic designer for 22 years, was a national magazine art director, a designer for the Department of Defense, a college art instructor, and have my own freelance Web and graphic design business, LittleWorks (www.little-works.com). I've also worked for several printing companies, in both prepress and art.

Awards and Honors
PICA award (Printing Industry of the Carolinas Award for the design of a media kit that accompanied a magazine I was art directing at the time)

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