Layered PSD to flat PNG: clipping masks, adjustment scope, and refreshed smart objects beat “the converter changed my colors”
`layered-psd-to-flat-png` covers complex stacks that still end as one PNG. Merge-visible is not a naive sum: clipped adjustments, blend-if ranges, and cached smart objects change the composite. If an embedded child PSD is unsaved or a linked SO path is missing on the worker, you get stale or divergent pixels. Refresh every smart object, validate clipping chains, and merge visible locally to a scratch layer before blaming the encoder.
Verwendung
- Open each smart object, save, relink if needed, verify adjustment layers clip to the intended base, pick the correct artboard, then upload with artboard name in metadata.
- Diff downloaded PNGs against a local merge-visible layer—spot-check brand swatches with the eyedropper to catch stray LUTs or photo filters left on.
- Log the layer-comp ID used for merge plus output hashes so future “color drift” tickets can tell PSD edits from CDN mix-ups.
PSD to PNG (layers) FAQ
What exactly merges in “visible layers”?
Typically every visible layer/group on the active artboard contributes; hidden layers usually skip, but lock states affect editing not always compositing—confirm with your toolchain. Preview the Navigator thumbnail and merge visible to a blank layer before upload to avoid trusting muscle memory on eye toggles.
Adjustment layers scope wrong—colors off?
Mis-clipped adjustments only hit part of the stack, which reads as global color drift; blend-if sliders can suddenly clip highlights. Audit the clip chain, then rasterize adjustments to a pixel layer when debugging so the composite is unambiguous.
Smart-object child PSD updated but export stale?
Embedded smart objects must be saved after edits or the parent still shows old pixels; linked SOs fail silently if paths break on batch workers—embed for portability or guarantee paths and run “update all links” before handoff.
Type not rasterized—will fonts substitute?
Type layers render with whatever fonts the environment has; missing families substitute glyphs and change metrics. Outline or supply licensed fonts, document them in the ticket, or Linux workers will diverge from designer Mac previews.
Multi-artboard PSD—risk of wrong board?
Multi-artboard files export whichever board is active with that board’s visibility—easy to ship the wrong SKU. Maintain a board→filename map and script explicit board selection; never rely on “whichever tab was open last night.”