Liquify applied to a set of layer

[PA-Noa]

Is there a way to constraint Liquify effect to only a limited set of layers? For example to a specific folder of layers? This would be extremely helpful! Any help will be appreciated!

[Hoogo]

Yes, it works for groups.
But you have to enable the property "draw isolated" for the group.

[PA-Noa]

But you also have to put the Liquify layer inside the layer group, or else it won't work right?

Also how do you permanently apply the Liquify effect to all the layers in the group (without merging them)?

[Hoogo]

But you also have to put the Liquify layer inside the layer group, or else it won't work right?

Yes. A group that is "draw isolated" is nearly like a complete own picture. Imagine you would copy all included layers to another picture, flaten them and copy the result back. Such isolated groups have even their own layer mode.

Also how do you permanently apply the Liquify effect to all the layers in the group (without merging them)?

What's the benefit?
Once you are fine with the result of the single liquify layer, you could duplicate it and use drag/drop in the layer list to attach each copy to each layer. It appears intended in the list and only affects its parent layer. After that you could reduce each layer separately.

[PA-Noa]

The reason I need to do it is because I'm using PhotoLine alongside other art programs. But a nondestructive Liquify layer would obviously not be compatible with other art programs, so I need to permanently apply it first before exporting

Thanks for the help!

[Herbert123]

Just right-mouse click each liquify layer, and merge it down. If your liquify layer is affecting multiple layers in an isolated group, you will have to group those layers first, and then merge down the liquify layer. Or merge the entire group.