Flattened image before I added background!

[grannyow]

Is there a way to unflatten or go back to my layers so that I can add a backgound? I was so relieved to be done I flattened the image and then realized I had forgotten to add a background to my assignment! Oh no! I was just rejoicing because I thought I was done and it's only 2PM.....aaahhh....

Hope you can help me.

 

[Eggy]

The only way was to press ctrl + z immediately after the merging to undo but after that there's no way to retrieve your layers.
Btw, there's no need at all to merge your layers when finishing a project!
Just save as... psd, png, jpeg

 

[gedstar]

Hi and welcome to PSG

Alas there is no way to go back if you have saved what you have done, never ever and I mean ever flatten your layers, you should always use this shortcut on the top layer Ctrl-Alt-Shift-E to merge all the layers below, at least that way your layers will be intact and you can always go back

There's a great feature in Affinity Photo that I think Adobe should implement and that's the ability to save your history states very useful

 

[grannyow]

Okay, thanks. I will have to try the magic eraser tool and cut out the background i guess. Thanks!

 

[gedstar]

Okay, thanks. I will have to try the magic eraser tool and cut out the background i guess. Thanks!

The magic eraser tool is handy sometimes but it's a destructive method, there are better options to make non destructive selections for removing the background

 

[gedstar]

Can you post you image here so we can take a look and better advise

 

[grannyow]

I finished and resubmitted it already. I actually had part of it saved part way through and wa able to salvage it after all. It's not pefect but it will have to do because I have a painting to do and I need to eat lunch! Thank you all for your help!