How to Merge Layers in Procreate

Learning how to merge layers in Procreate is essential, whether we want to clean up our Layers panel, add a specific effect to a layer, or even decrease the size of our file. 

If you’ve ever used programs like Photoshop, learning how to merge layers in Procreate will be a piece of cake. If this is your first time using Procreate, I’ll keep things simple. I’ll show you three simple ways to combine layers in Procreate. 

Let’s get started!

How to Merge Two Layers in Procreate: Method #1

In this method, you’ll learn how to merge two layers in Procreate. Remember that to merge layers in Procreate, your files must be separated into different layers.

Once you have the files you want to merge, open the Layers panel. 

Open the Layers Panel in Procreate.Open the Layers Panel in Procreate.Open the Layers Panel in Procreate.

Tap on the desired layer to bring up the Layer Options. Now tap on Merge Down

Tap Merge Down in the Layer Options box.Tap Merge Down in the Layer Options box.Tap Merge Down in the Layer Options box.

Doing this will merge the layer you originally chose with the layer below it. Notice how Layer 1 and Layer 2 merged into Layer 2?

You'll notice the layers have been merged!You'll notice the layers have been merged!You'll notice the layers have been merged!

You’re done! That’s how you merge two layers in Procreate. 

tip

Unfortunately, Procreate has a layer limit. If you reach that limit, fusing layers can be a solution to that problem.

How to Merge Multiple Layers in Procreate With Your Fingers: Method #2

This method is a lot of fun. This is when you can see the touch sensitivity of the iPad and Procreate in action. 

To merge multiple layers in Procreate with the help of your fingers, you need to do the following:

Let’s say you have four layers, as in the example below. The goal here is to merge all these four layers into one independent layer. 

Open the layer panel with the desired files you want to merge.Open the layer panel with the desired files you want to merge.Open the layer panel with the desired files you want to merge.

All you have to do is tap the four layers at both ends and make a closed pinch gesture with your fingers to combine your layers in Procreate. You have to be fast when doing this! 

With your fingers make a closed pinch gesture.With your fingers make a closed pinch gesture.With your fingers make a closed pinch gesture.

That’s it! That’s how to merge multiple layers in Procreate with your fingers. As you can see below, all four layers have been combined into one layer.

You'll notice your layers will merge when you do a closed pinch gesture to your layers.You'll notice your layers will merge when you do a closed pinch gesture to your layers.You'll notice your layers will merge when you do a closed pinch gesture to your layers.

How to Merge All Layers in Procreate: Method #3

If you have way too many layers in the Layers panel, probably using your fingers will be a hard thing to do. To learn how to merge all your layers in Procreate, just do the following: 

For the purpose of this step, I’ve added more layers to the file. Just select all the layers you want to combine, and tap Group to group them into one layer.

Group your desired layers.Group your desired layers.Group your desired layers.

You’ll see that all ten layers are now in one group.

You'll notice all your layers are inside a group layer.You'll notice all your layers are inside a group layer.You'll notice all your layers are inside a group layer.

Now tap on the Group you just made to see the Layer Options. Select Flatten. This will combine all of the layers in Procreate that are in a group.

Tap on the Group and now Select Flatten.Tap on the Group and now Select Flatten.Tap on the Group and now Select Flatten.

You’re done. This is how to merge all your layers in Procreate. 

You're done! You'll notice all your layers have been merged. You're done! You'll notice all your layers have been merged. You're done! You'll notice all your layers have been merged.

You can always undo any merged layers. Just be careful to save your work before closing the app or going back to the gallery because you won’t be able to undo your changes, and the layers will be permanently merged once you return to your canvas. 

Congratulations! Now You Know How to Merge Layers in Procreate!

I hope this quick tutorial on how to merge layers on Procreate was useful. Learning how to combine layers in Procreate will help you speed up your design process.

Go ahead and use these tips on any of your design projects. If you want to elevate your Procreate designs or illustrations, take a look at Envato Elements. Here you’ll find graphics, brushes, backgrounds, fonts, and so much more! 

You can find the 3D illustrations used in this tutorial on Envato Elements. This is the ultimate creators’ subscription. You can get illustrations like these for a small monthly fee:

Learn More About Procreate

Expand your Procreate skills with our tutorials on Envato Tuts+. Check them out:

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.