How to Merge Layers as Photoshop Smart Objects

Learn how to merge layers in Photoshop as smart objects! Lesson 4 in my Smart Objects tutorial series.

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► Watch next: Resize images without losing quality with Smart Objects - youtube.com/watch?v=rC4rI2dYd-4

This tutorial shows you the best way to merge layers in Photoshop by merging them as editable smart objects, and how smart objects make it easy to work with merged layers non-destructively.

We start by learning the secret trick for merging layers onto a new layer above them (1:08). Then we look at the reasons why merging layers onto a new layer isn't the best way to work (2:34). From there, we learn why merging layers as smart objects is a better choice (3:12) and how to merge multiple layers as a smart object (3:45). We finish off the video by learning how to edit your merged layers inside the smart object (4:16) and how to apply sharpening and other effects to your smart object as editable smart filters (5:16).

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