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Blend 3: Photoshop Import – Merging Layers

In the Expression Blend 3 preview the dialog for importing Adobe Photoshop files displays helpful info-tips on each layer to identify the properties that are not supported and instructions on how to resolve the problem when possible. In many cases you will need to merge related layers to successfully rasterize and import features like adjustment layers and blend modes. This post is a continuation of my previous two posts on importing Photoshop files. I’ll cover the workflow for merging layers to rasterize and import .psd files with blend modes. :)

Below is an example of a file with the Photoshop Linear Light blend mode applied to the “slopes” layer. The preview section of the import dialog shows the blend mode applied as it would import to Blend 3 when the related layers are merged:

By hovering over the info-tip on the “slopes” layer with the blend mode you will note the suggestion to merge the layer with any of the layers in the list that it is associated with to achieve the expected results on import:

To merge the layer you must multi-select the “slopes” layer and the layers in the list that you would like to be affected by the blend mode. Now click the “Merge layers” button:

The selected layers will collapse into a merged group and import as a simple image. You can also rename this group as you can any other layer or group in the list. Ungrouping is also an option on merged layers by selecting the merged group and clicking on the “Ungroup layers” option. When ungrouped, the layers will be imported as separate assets.

After importing the .psd file the results below are imported and displayed on the Expression Blend 3 artboard. Notice that there is a “Merged_Layers_1″” image that was imported combining the “slopes” layer and the “Image1” layer from the original .psd file. The “Merged_Layers_1” image correctly displays the composite of the two layers with the “Linear Light” Blend Mode applied:

This same workflow will work in the final release of Blend 3 to apply adjustment layer to a set of layers in a Photoshop file.

Curious to learn more? Check my previous post that includes an overview of the Photoshop Import feature in Blend 3. You can also read my post about the supported Photoshop features on import in Blend 3.

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback :)

Cheers!

Janete