Not understanding Merge Visible in Layers option

[Jacqueline]

Hello again.

 

Question number two for this evening.  

 

I have used a pixel layer to an effect of mist forming from the ground up onto a background layer of a photograph I have taken.  I'm happy enough with the image.  I am used to the Flatten Layer and Merge Visible in Adobe but am confused with Serif's format.  I have looked at two online videos and have the Affinity Photo Work Book in front of me at page 284 - the only reference in the index for merging layers.  When I have gone to the layers section there is only a merge visible.  When I chose that option I seem to acquire another layer underneath the background.  What am I doing wrong and what am I not understanding - is it something to do with the layer of 'mist' being created as a gradient/pixel layer?  I want to save the file and export it to social media.

 

Jacqueline

[walt.farrell]

You have relevant functions in several locations:

• Document > Flatten will merge all the layers down into one layer.
• Layer > Merge Down  or (in the Layers panel, right-click and choose Merge Down) will merge the layer currently selected in the Layers panel down into the layer below it.
• Layer > Merge Visible or (in the Layers panel, right-click and choose Merge Visible) will merge all the layers into one new layer on top of the layer stack.

[Jacqueline]

Hello Walt.

 

I went with the first option and that looks like what I am used to seeing.  Thank you.

Jacqueline