How to keep Photo Filter adjustment layer active after merging layers

[Jaimee Michell]

I am trying to create a "instagram" type filter for a mobile device that will act as an overlay over pictures that people will upload of themselves. I have all of the layers set up perfectly, with a mask leaving a transparent part of the image for their selfie to fit in. The problem lies with the Photo Filter that I need to stay active. When I merge the layers and save the file, I lose this capability. I need the entire image to have a blue tint over it, including the selfie that the user will upload of themselves into the image I have created. I am completely stumped, which has never happened to me before.

Does anyone have any idea how to do this?? Please help!

Thank you!

 

[MrToM]

Why are you merging the layers before saving the file?

Save the file as a PSD to preserve the layers and use Save For Web to save out to whatever format you need.

Whenever you want to re-use the file, open the PSD, edit, save, then output using SFW again.

There is no need to 'merge' anything before saving to an image file.

Regards.
MrToM.