Unfortunately, you can't fully unmerge layers in Photoshop once they've been merged. Merging layers permanently combines them into a single layer, losing the individual layer information. However, there are a few ways to recover some of the lost information or achieve a similar result:
1. Undoing the Merge:
- If you recently merged layers, you can undo the merge using CTRL + Z on a PC or CMD + Z on a Mac or by clicking Edit > Undo Merge Visible.
2. History Panel:
- If you haven't saved your document and haven't made other edits, you can navigate to the History panel and scroll through the actions to find the "Merge Layers" action. Click on the action to revert to the state before the merge.
3. Using a Smart Object:
- If you need to edit a merged layer separately, convert it to a Smart Object. This allows you to make non-destructive edits, which are essentially adjustments that are applied to the original layer but don't affect the actual pixels.
4. Saving as a PSD File:
- Saving your document as a PSD file will preserve all layers, including the merged ones. This allows you to reopen the file and continue editing the merged layers.
5. Using Filters or Adjustment Layers:
- Apply filters or adjustment layers to the merged layer to achieve a similar effect as having individual layers. However, this approach won't provide the same level of flexibility as separate layers.
6. Third-Party Plugins:
- Consider using third-party plugins that are designed to work with merged layers. Some plugins offer features like splitting merged layers, separating objects, or recovering layer information.
Remember that the most effective solution will depend on your specific situation and the edits you've made since the merge.
