Cut/Delete without merging the group ...

[Alexandria]

I am trying to get the bottom row of ribbons about the size of the top row by cutting/erasing/? The layers have to stay in tact to be able to change the colours. I have tried various options but it wont let me do anything without "merging the group". What is the best way to go about this?

 

[IamSam]

I am trying to get the bottom row of ribbons about the size of the top row by cutting/erasing/?

What does this mean? Please explain. Thanks. All you have done is copy the group and left out the pocket Shadow. So what are you trying to accomplish by cutting and erasing?

Like this?


You can add a layer mask to the group if you don't want the pocket effect.

 

[Alexandria]

I want the "pink" part of the ribbon to be cut/erased(?) so that I can add as many rows as necessary, beneath one another (very close, like top 2 rows), still being able to change the colours of the ribbons. In other words, I need the ribbons to be "short" like the bottom row of your last image. Hope this is more clear.

 

[IamSam]

Add a layer mask to the copied group. Move the copied group below the other group. Move into place.

Change colors....




Add new rows.

 

[IamSam]

There's no need for a "pocket background" to cover up the sticky tape or pink part, that is done with the layer mask, unless you need the effect for the top row. The pink part from your post #3 is gone using the layer mask I mention in post #2 and post #4. You can even change the color of the background and it won't affect the layer mask.

There's no need to remake the ribbons. Layer masks can do exactly what you need.
You can even re-space the ribbons and the layer mask will cover the sticky tape or pink part.


Another option instead of the group layer mask is to add layer masks to the individual ribbon layers and move them around!