What is the difference between 'Merge Visible' & 'Rasterize'?

[Wayne Burrows]

Hey All,

Don't both do the exact same thing?

They both combine all 'included' layers into one single Pixel layer - Correct? I am going to assume that I am >incorrect< and that there truly is a difference in the end result between the two - but I'm just not seeing how so far. Can someone please fill me in on how the end results are indeed different so that when the time comes that I need to know, I will choose the correct function.

Thanks All,

WB

[carl123]

Rasterize does not typically "combine all 'included' layers into one single Pixel layer"

They remain as individual layers

Unless (for example) they are in a group and you rasterise the group

Can you give more details as to where you are seeing your quoted behaviour when rasterising layers?

[Wayne Burrows]

2 minutes ago, carl123 said:

Unless (for example) they are in a group and you rasterise the group

You touched on something that I didn't realize. Any time I see layers being rasterized or have done it myself, it's always from layers that have been grouped. So that is what i was referring to. I haven't gotten to a point yet of needing to rasterize anything other than multiple layers that I have 'Grouped'. So if you are saying that both results are the same when a >group< has been rasterized, then I get it now. If you are not saying that, then I am still in the same place as before.

I can't even picture a need to rasterize individual layers seperately. Apparently, the need does exist by what you have just told me, (that's if I am understanding you correctly) but so far, that has not been the case for me.

[thomaso]

In addition to the mentioned difference between single vs. multiple selected layers the command "Rasterize…" indicates by its ellipsis a (possible) dialog window before executing the rasterization. The options dialog appears if a layer effect is applied to the selected layer and gives a choice to keep the fx editable while "Merge Visible" just rasterizes the layer fx without this option.

Also the 'quality' may slightly differ depending on the pixel alignment or the current DPI:

[thomaso]

49 minutes ago, carl123 said:

Rasterize does not typically "combine all 'included' layers into one single Pixel layer"

They remain as individual layers

Apart from the quoted part (which is unclear regarding 'included' as either nested/parent-child or as included in a selection of multiple separate layers) to me "Rasterize…" converts the selected layer (incl. children) directly into a pixel layer … whereas "Merge Visible" creates a copy for its rasterized result, leaving the originals untouched.

[Wayne Burrows]

1 hour ago, thomaso said:

whereas "Merge Visible" creates a copy for its rasterized result, leaving the originals untouched.

I am so very glad that you pointed that out because I had not noticed. Now that I am looking for it, I obviously see it clearly now. I appreciate you making mention of that. Super helpful.