What happens when layers are merged in an image editing program?

When layers are merged in an image editing program, they combine into a single layer. This action effectively consolidates all the visual information and attributes from the selected layers into one layer. Merging layers is a common practice in graphic design, as it simplifies the layer structure and can improve performance by reducing the number of layers the program has to process.

Merging layers retains the visual appearances of the original layers while combining their contents into one. This process can be particularly useful when finalizing a design, as it helps in streamlining the workspace and making it easier to manage and export images.

Other options present inaccuracies regarding layer merging. For example, while blending modes can sometimes be affected by merging, they are not necessarily discarded in this process. Additionally, layers do not become separate; rather, they lose their individuality when combined. Lastly, merged layers do not become invisible; instead, their contents are preserved in the resulting single layer.