Merge Layers Non-destructively in Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop have one very useful function which is not listed in any menu or context menu. That function is to merge all visible layers from selected and below without to flatten them (you can use this function and without top most layer selected but merged layer will be created above currently selected in Layers panel). Function is also available and without any layer selected and merged layer will be created on top of layer stack in that case. Adobe refers to this function as Stamp All Visible Layers and provides shortcut Alt/Opt + Shift + Ctrl/Cmd + E. If you lost interest after seeing 4 keys as keyboard shortcut, that’s because you never tried out to press them using only one hand. It requires little practice but it is possible and not difficult to learn. By the way you can merge layers non-destructively and by selecting all layers you want to include and pressing Ctrl/Cmd + Alt/Opt + E shortcut. In that case you will have layer above top most selected with (merged) in parentheses.

What is useful when stamping layers
Personally I am always using Stamp Layers to sharpen image. After merging non-destructively layers I am always converting merged layer to Smart Object which gives me ability to reopen Smart Sharpen dialog (or High Pass for example) and change opacity and blend mode. Best of all I have all layers below with non-destructive editing intact including Background layer with original image data.

When to use Stamp Layers
I already mention sharpening image but there are many other situations when you can use this excellent function. Another situation to always use Stamp Layers is when giving finishing touch: borders, frames etc… As you already probably know Photoshop offers so many options to decorate photo using frames, custom shapes, Layer Style and so on. That’s maybe all you need but do not forget that Photoshop have more plugins than many of image editing software's tools and functions. Some of Photoshop plugins are specialized to decorate photos like Free OnOne plugins. To not forget and best Photoshop plugin Filter Forge with tons of filters to enhance and decorate photos. By the way you can download free Filter Forge photo effects and frames. Some Photoshop plugins can work with Smart Objects but many of them can not and Stamp Layers is most useful in that situation to keep original image data and to get quickly job done.

Make life easier using keyboard shortcuts
You can use keyboard shortcut to quickly select and move through layers in layer stack. For example Alt + (.) selects top most layer, Alt + [ selects first layer below selected, Alt + ] selects next layer above selected…

Conclusion
Stamp Layers is one of function of Photoshop which I am using in almost any document since I learned for it. I gave you two most common situations in this post as example but you can find and many other to use this wonderful but not and well-known function.

Reference:
Photoshop / Default keyboard shortcuts
Photoshop Help / Merging layers

Product used in this tutorial: Adobe Photoshop CS6