How to Use Stamp Visible Layer vs Flatten Image in Photoshop

How to Use Stamp Visible Layer vs Flatten Image in Photoshop

Professional photo editing requires flexibility to make adjustments without destroying your original work. Photoshop's Stamp Visible feature combines all visible layers into one new layer while preserving your adjustment layers underneath.

This approach keeps your workflow intact and allows you to continue editing, unlike flattening which destroys all individual layers permanently.

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Video by SandraD Imagery. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips for Using Stamp Visible

  • Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Shift+E (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+E (Mac) to quickly create a stamp visible layer
  • Apply stamp visible when you need to use removal tools, patch tools, or other pixel-based editing on combined layers
  • Rename your stamp visible layers for better organization, especially when using multiple stamps in one project
  • Remember that stamp visible layers act as a "wall" - you cannot adjust layers beneath them after creation
  • Choose stamp visible over flatten image to maintain your adjustment layers for future edits

More Tutorials about Photoshop Layer Techniques

Explore additional creative effects and layer management techniques in Photoshop.

Unlocking the Power of Layer Masks in Photoshop
Layer masks are a fundamental feature in Photoshop that allow for greater control over images. They enable you to hide or reveal portions of a layer without permanently altering the original content. This non-destructive editing approach is beneficial for making precise adjustments to your designs. You can use layer masks
Rotate and Flip Images and Layers with Precision in Photoshop
Often in image editing, photographs or design elements are not oriented correctly or require a creative re-orientation for a new composition. This common challenge can be frustrating when simple rotation tools affect the entire canvas, disrupting other layers, or when precise control over individual elements is needed. This tutorial demonstrates
Advanced Color Grading with Apply Image Layer Masks in Photoshop
Professional color grading can transform ordinary photos into cinematic masterpieces, but heavy adjustments often create that obvious “filtered” look that screams amateur editing. The difference between natural-looking color enhancement and overdone processing lies in how the adjustments interact with your image’s existing tonal structure. This advanced technique uses layer masks

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