|
|
As one solution, you could create a new layer and with all other layers you want included (visible), then <command-option-shift-e> to create a copy. With that new layer selected you could copy it to a new PSD or save a a PNG 24. It is creating an extra file but at least you leave the original intact in case you need it later. Not sure if this is helpful...On Feb 19, 2012, at 1:30 AM, Enrique Gamez wrote: I wouldn't dare ask another, at least for a while. This latest answer has sent me back into the manuals something fierce! Thanks, -e
Removing paths and channels is not the same as flattening a file. Flattening means reducing several, or many layers to one layer, usually a background, that is not technically a layer at all. There is a difference between a path, and a layer that is defined by a shape that is integral to the layer. So for example, you can take the shape tool and create an ellipse, then fill it with a gradient, give it a glow, whatever. That vector shape is similar in some ways to a "path" but Paths have their own Tab, as do channels. As for channels, the tab includes your color channels – if you're working in RGB you have an RGB channel, separate Red, Green and Blue channels, and your alpha channels. However, a layer with a vector shape, is a path that exists in that layer. Deleting all your paths in the Path Tab does not delete the vector shape in your layer.
You can also have a layer with a mask built into the layer – and, just to confuse matters a bit – that mask can be a vector or a pixel mask. But these masks are also built into the layer and are not affected if you delete all the paths from the Paths Tab or all the alpha channels from your Channels Tab. Strangely enough, when you select a masked layer, that mask will appear in the Channels Tab – temporarily. Same for a vector shape layer. If you've created an ellipse with the ellipse tool, it will appear as a path – temporarily – in the Path Tab.
You may want to remove your masks and vector shapes when finalizing a file, leaving those shapes intact. With a mask, you can Apply the mask (right click on the mask to get this option) and the mask will cease to exist while leaving the layer exactly the same as it was with the mask. Similarly, you may rasterize a vector shape and leave the layer exactly as it was but without the vectors.
Figuring out which masks or vectors are making the picture look as it does can be simple or complex, depending on transfer modes, groups, adjustment layers, and so on – a whole other ball of wax.
Still have questions?
Jonathan
On Feb 18, 2012, at 11:26 AM, Enrique Gamez wrote: Thanks for taking the time to fill me in, although this may be getting into [OT] territory…
Is this tantamount to "flattening" a PSD? I have taken several PS layers and flattened them to one that preserves the "look". But, sorry for my newbieness, if a path is filled with some crucial picture element like a gradient fill of some kind, then deleting that path also deletes the fill — thus, messing up the picture. What step am I missing here? How do you preserve the image and still delete elements that are crucial to its make-up?
-e
just to add, that when exporting a final format image,one may not
want to include paths/masks to lower file size and not offer further
editing helpers.
Only "save for web" deletes paths on its own.
On 18-Feb-12 08:54, Jonathan Penzner wrote:
I'll often get a picture of a car that's been made gorgeous
by other artists, using paths for every conceivable aspect of
the of the look. I don't need 28 paths. I might need two, and
those other paths get in the way. Same goes for alpha channels.
And for the final pic, I may not want or need any channels or
paths.
Paths and channels can useful for creating a picture but once
the look has been achieved they are no longer needed and can get
in the way when imported into other programs. So I'll save a
file with all the working paths and channels, then a copy with
nothing but the finished pic.
Hope that helps.
Jonathan
On Feb 17, 2012, at 9:43 PM, Enrique Gamez wrote:
I have an inkling that mine is a dumb question. But, here goes <duck and cover>,
Why would you want to delete paths and/or alpha
channels? Wouldn't doing that ruin your picture?
-e
Fantastic. Thanks, Evan. Great tip.
On Feb 17, 2012, at 2:50 AM, Evan Fotis wrote:
FWIW I use
a script that deletes all channels and paths at
once:
#target photoshop
app.bringToFront();
var theImage = app.activeDocument;
theImage.pathItems.removeAll();
theImage.channels.removeAll();
On 17-Feb-12 02:11, Jonathan
Penzner wrote:
By the way, wouldn't it be
nice if, in Photoshop, you could select
all the paths or alpha channels at one
time and drag them to the trash? I often
receive files with dozens of paths and
deleting them one at a time is a pain.
JONATHAN
PENZNER
SUNDANCE/REALTIME
VIDEO
EDITING � MOTION
GRAPHICS � DESIGN
| STUDIO 626
345-0285 |
| CELL 818
321-2890 |
JONATHAN PENZNER
SUNDANCE/REALTIME VIDEO EDITING • MOTION GRAPHICS • DESIGN
| STUDIO 626 345-0285 | | CELL 818 321-2890 |
|
|
