The Merge function can be used to combine layers from any size of file. The merged layer becomes distorted to fit the destination document and adjusting its quality to fit. It is therefore best to make files which need to be merged similar sizes before merging them.
Note: When merging layers of different resolutions, a warning will appear to alert the user of the automatic creation of new resolutions. You have the opportunity to proceed with or cancel the merge operation.
Potential problems with multiple resolutions
If you do not need to work with multiple resolutions, always change the quality of all the layers with the Edit Menu > Quality function This will avoid potential problems outlined below.
Aligning high and low resolution layers
A low resolution layer cannot be aligned with the same accuracy as a high resolution layer. For example, when you select an element in a design on both low and high resolution layers, move it and then deselect the area, the high resolution element stays where it is, but the low resolution element moves slightly, resulting in alignment problems.
Resolution changes due to rounding errors
After changing resolutions several times, it is possible for 254dpi to become 253.2dpi. To correct this, choose Edit > Resolution. This will change all of the layer resolutions back to their original values, i.e. 253.2 and 506.3 would change back to 254 and 508 respectively.
Output devices do not accept multiple resolutions
Various (non-AVA) output convertor applications need to work with multiple resolution files. If your output device does not have multiple resolution capability, choose Edit Menu > Quality to make all layers the same resolution before outputting the file.
Resolution used is set as the editing quality
If a 254 dpi file has one 72 dpi layer and you select it as the Editing Quality, the file will only print at a maximum of 72 dpi. Make sure you select an appropriate quality for whatever you are doing.
New layers are created at the existing editing quality
If a file has both 254 and 508 dpi layers and you want to crop a small area:
- Check that the Editing Quality is set to 508 dpi before you crop
- Crop the layers at 508 dpi and remove the 254 dpi layers
- Change the Editing Quality to 254 dpi
- Crop the 254 dpi layers and remove the 508 dpi layers
- Merge these layers together
Layers use editing quality when you step and repeat
If you wish to step and repeat a file that has both 254 dpi and 508 dpi layers you should step and repeat the layers separately in order to avoid the distortion of layer information. The individual layers can then be merged together in order to step and repeat the whole design.
Tip: Use a high resolution layer for text. If you have a 254 dpi design and wish to print text on it, create your text layer at 600 dpi. This way your text will appear smoother, and any increase in the size of your file will be negligible.