Layers allow you to work on one element of the image without disturbing the other elements. Artists often use it to streamline the creation of designs. However, there are times when multiple layers need to be combined together, either to work on a composite image or create one final layer for the finished product. Fortunately, there are several options for doing this.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using the Merging Option
Step 1. Right-click on one or more layers to open the merge menu
Hover over the layers panel and highlight the layers you want to merge. Right click and look at the bottom of the menu that appears. You will see the following options:
- Merge Layers (or, if you only selected one layer, "Merge Down")
- Merge Visible
- Flatten Image
Step 2. Select the " Merge Down " option to merge the currently selected layer with the layer just below it
The two layers will merge and use the layer name below. Be aware that the option cannot be applied if both layers are currently invisible or locked.
- If you select multiple screens, this option will change to " Merge Layers"
- You can also press Command+E or Ctrl+E
Step 3. Select multiple layers and use the " Merge Layers " option to merge them all into one layer
Press Shift-Click or Ctrl/Cmd-Click to highlight all the layers you want to merge. After that, right-click on one of the layers and select the "Merge Layers" option to merge them all.
The layers will merge into and use the layer name at the top of the list
Step 4. Slide the layer switch to enable and disable "Merge Visible"
"This is a great way to quickly merge multiple layers. Instead of clicking all the layers individually, simply uncheck the little "eye" to the left of each layer no want to be combined. After that, right-click the layer that is still visible and select the option "Merge Visible." Only the layers that have the "eye" will be merged, while the rest will be ignored.
Step 5. Press alt=""Image" or Opt-Click on "Merge Visible" option to merge all layers into one new layer.</h4" />
This method merges all visible layers, and copies them into one standalone layer. The other layers remain unchanged and untouched so you can save them if needed later.
- For Mac users, hold down Option key.
- For PC users, hold down the Alt key.
Step 6. Select the " Flatten Image " option to merge all the layers into one, and delete all the invisible layers
This option is usually done towards the end of the project, just before saving your final image. All layers will be merged into one new layer. If any layers are not visible, you will be asked if they need to be removed. Basically, the Flatten Image option combines all visible layers on the canvas into one layer in the panel.
Step 7. Note that you cannot “un-merge” the layers once they are merged
Merging layers will remove some of your control over the image. Make sure to only merge the images after you've finished working on each layer.
Step 8. Know other ways to merge layers
There are two other ways to get the same result. So, choose the one that suits you best.
- Click " Layers " in the top menu bar. Options for merging layers are below.
- Click the small triangle in the top right corner of the layers panel. Merging options are near the lower end.
Method 2 of 2: Finding Alternative Ways to Merge Layers
Step 1. Link layers to move, edit, and copy layers without merging them
The linked layers are related to each other, meaning you can edit them separately, if you want. However, each time you click on a layer, the linked layer is affected as well. This is a great way to make changes to multiple layers without having to merge them all together.
Step 2. Group layers to work on specific sections
If you have a series of layers that make up a single image, such as shading, sketching, and coloring layers for a small animated character, you can group them so that you can view and work on the full image on this layer only. The way to group layers is as follows
- Select multiple layers in the layers panel.
- Right-click and select "Group from Layers." You can also drag layers to the small folder icon at the bottom of the layers panel.
Step 3. Resolve the problem by rasterizing (rasterizing) all layers that cannot be grouped or edited
This problem only (and rarely) occurs when merging layers. However, if none of the options work, try:
- Right-click and select "Rasterize."
- Make sure the layers are visible
- Also make sure the clipping mask is also selected. You need to highlight it to be able to merge layers.
