GHS

Yes, thank you for that suggestion. The magnification of the image to 100% does show variable effects, yet using Curves cannot in some instances be saved (yet not on all files). 1) original; 2 above it) Duplicate, Multiply at 100% or 85%; and / or 3) optional above that, but impossible to merge downwards: Curves. Merge Down has the same effect as Merge Visible, of eliminating the effect of what had been the upper layer. The simple solution, if this affects only certain files, is to go back to Elements and do what is expected in one fell stoke.

It now seems that certain files behave as expected. The other line drawings continue to mystify, and pasting onto a fresh page does not seem to help.

Thank you for your help. I have wondered whether this can be a corrupted file, but when I copy elements of it into a fresh page the same fault happens. Also when I work in the same way with another drawing: Command J = duplicate. 'Multiply' to darken. Merge ... the top effect is lost. Am I missing something?

Perhaps you can find a Mac to check this please. It is after all an elementary requirement of a graphics program, to be able to save and merge layers, and most illustrators and photographers do use a Mac. In the meanwhile, do I really have to redo everything in PS or elsewhere? I had hoped to ditch Adobe for ever. This is a serious fault, and requires an urgent solution please.

That is, the changes (lines in this case made bolder) are discarded as the upper layer is merged down into the lower. Try it please with the AF file I just sent you. Unless this is a quirk with Mac Sierra OS 10.12, but then you would know that already. Merging in any way, and Exporting as a jpeg, all fail to save the changes, in a similar manner.

Thank you for responding. Drawing attached. Upper layer is Multiply at 80% (but 100% behaves the same). Flattening or saving as jpeg destroys the upper layer. 8) Mary Had a Little Lamb*.afphoto

I am trying to produce a professional book, and am finding the program inadequate. How is it possible for an "advanced" graphics program to fail to merge Layers ? This TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. Even the wretched Elements allows it. Please, Serif, Give Us the Answer or release an urgent Fix! I can create and merge edited layers without problem, such as when having erased details from the upper one. However, when I create a layer (in this case, of a line drawing) and embolden this as a Multiply layer, every possible way of merging or flattening the upper adaptation destroys the upper layer and saves or exports the image unchanged, as things started. So opening Curves unavoidably creates an upper layer that CANNOT BE SAVED. Rasterising either or both the bottom and top layer makes no difference. Adding a blank layer in between before merging fails to work either. This looks like a BUG that renders the program useless. A solution is urgently required please. (Affinity Photo 1.6.11.)

"Are you sure you have posted in the relevant forum?" If this is a reply I am afraid even that is not clear. The 'Search' button takes one around in convoluted circles, and I cannot find where to post a question (that may well have been posed before) to find a simple answer. Still waiting...

So far I have had no reply. I'll try again. I am trying to produce a professional book, and am finding both the program and the response inadequate. How is it possible for an "advanced" graphics program to fail to merge Layers ? This TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. Even the wretched Elements allows it. Please, Serif, Give Us the Answer or release an urgent Fix! When I create a layer (in this case, of a line drawing) and embolden this as a Multiply layer, every possible way of merging or flattening the upper adaptation destroys the upper layer and saves or exports the image unchanged, as things started. So opening Curves unavoidably creates an upper layer that CANNOT BE SAVED. Rasterising either or both the bottom and top layer makes no difference. Adding a blank layer in between before merging fails to work either. This looks like a BUG that renders the program useless. A solution is urgently required please. (Affinity Photo 1.6.11.)

Sorry if this is in the wrong thread. 'Search' does not bring up the solution. Or is it the same kind of problem? Your help welcomed anyhow; thank you in advance. When I create a layer (in this case, of a line drawing) and embolden it as a Multiply layer, every possible way of merging or flattening the upper image destroys the upper layer and saves or exports the image unchanged, as things started. The same thing happens even in the base layer: opening Curves creates a layer that CANNOT BE SAVED. Even PS 'Elements' can do this! (Affinity Photo 1.6.11. A new purchase, so I am still learning my way around.) Thank you.