As far as I know, the Enable merge is persistent and when set remains on. However, it is not global and you have to set it for each tool where it is available.
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Edit Quote ".....to avoid this "problem" for the not so experienced users"
In my opinion it should be more that just the merge option. There should be "beginners" UI with several of the tabs removed, tabs locked, the grey theme as default. Think what Gimp 2.8 looked like when first introduced.
It is possible to set Gimp up the way you want, and turn off the "Save on Exit" functions. That way Gimp reverts when restarted. For example, how many new users close the tool options and wonder where they have gone, You see that over-and-over.
Of course, never going to happen, too many want Gimp to mimic PS.
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Edit Quote ".....to avoid this "problem" for the not so experienced users"
In my opinion it should be more that just the merge option. There should be "beginners" UI with several of the tabs removed, tabs locked, the grey theme as default. Think what Gimp 2.8 looked like when first introduced.
It is possible to set Gimp up the way you want, and turn off the "Save on Exit" functions. That way Gimp reverts when restarted. For example, how many new users close the tool options and wonder where they have gone, You see that over-and-over.
Of course, never going to happen, too many want Gimp to mimic PS.