How do you convert a merged object

[jparnold]

I have noticed for some time that certain 'actions' done to an image then prevent you performing other 'actions' (for example pasting an image into another). In the past I have resorted to saving the image and then reopening it so that I can continue and when I save the image I get the following message -

Because of the limitations of the specified file format ........ the saved file will be limited to a merged object.

There must be a method (something to select and/or click on) so that the image becomes 'merged' so that I can continue editing the image.
Please advise
Thanks
John

[LeviFiction]

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Pasting an image into another image shouldn't stop you from doing anything.

If you want to merge or flatten all layers you can do so from the Layers palette, or from the Layers menu.

[hartpaul]

Hi John, You are not using text are you? If the text has not been applied it can seem that the rest of the computer is locked up.


Have sent you a PM.

[Forriner]

Saved will be limited to a merged object

If you're trying to save a file that has layers (even just one layer, Raster 1 instead of Background) as anything but a .pspimage which support layers, PSP warns you that it will flatten -merge all- the file before saving.
Many things you do while editing create layers, some temporary, some permanent. For example, if you open a JPG and just click on it with the move tool the Background is promoted to a layer (raster 1) and you'll get the warning if you try to save it as a JPG.
So consider it a warning: if you want to lose the layers, let PSP merge while saving. Otherwise, cancel and save as .pspimage.
If you don't want a warning, menu Layers/Merge/Merge all before saving.

[Kathy_9]

Because of the limitations of the specified file format ........ the saved file will be limited to a merged object.
John

If you save your image as a psimage file instead of a jpg the layers will not be flattened and you can edit away on each of the individual layers the next time you open it.

[jparnold]

Thanks for your replies.
What I am doing is
1) open a .jpg image file.
2) Open a NEW 'image' (File>New) with a pixel size larger than the image file opened at step 1
3) Select window with image in step 1 and COPY
4) select NEW image (refer step 2)
5) PASTE AS A NEW SELECTION (Ctrl E)
6) Now I cannot do anything with that area of the NEW 'image' not covered with the image pasted (eg if I paste into the center leaving the default color used to create the NEW image I cannot FILL, PAINT or anything else into the area not covered with the pasted image).
Please note that this is also while the edge of the image pasted has the 'dotted 'line around the pasted image (like you get when you select part of an image).
I thought there might be an easier way of continuing editing without having to save (merged) and then having to re-open.

[LeviFiction]

From the selections menu go

Selections -> Deselect

[Zacabeb]

While the selection is active after pasting an image, it protects the area around it from changes like a regular selection would.

You either need to manually deactivate the selection around the pasted image (Ctrl+D) after positioning it, or instead paste it as a new layer (Ctrl+V), which will center it in the canvas but allow moving it around with the Move tool.

[jparnold]

Thanks Zacabeb

Perfect. I knew there must be an easy way.

[hartpaul]

For what you seem to be doing, Paste as New Layer would probably suit better and then you can move it around, paint on it , erase parts of it etc and lastly Layers Merge > Mergeall /flatten to finish before then saving.
Any particular reason why you needed to "Paste as New Selection"?

[Joelle]

I have noticed for some time that certain 'actions' done to an image then prevent you performing other 'actions' (for example pasting an image into another). In the past I have resorted to saving the image and then reopening it so that I can continue and when I save the image I get the following message -

Because of the limitations of the specified file format ........ the saved file will be limited to a merged object.

There must be a method (something to select and/or click on) so that the image becomes 'merged' so that I can continue editing the image.
Please advise
Thanks
John

Have you looked under File>Preferences>General Program Preferences>Warnings and also Auto Action to see what's ticked/not ticked that's generating the message.

Joëlle