PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Software
Adobe Software
Adobe Photoshop
How to Merge Layers in Photoshop Download Article Easy to follow steps on merging layers in Photoshop Co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni and Nicole Levine, MFA
Last Updated: February 24, 2025
Download Article
Merging Two or More Layers
|
Merging All Layers
|
Combining Layers into a New Layer
|
Merging Layers in a Clipping Mask
|
Finding Alternatives to Merging
|
Video
|Show more|Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Brynne Zaniboni is a Professional Photographer based in Los Angeles, California. With nearly 10 years of photography experience, Brynne is a Portrait, Fashion, and Music Photographer. Brynne is also the founder of Backroom Boudoir Photography, offering a range of boudoir shoots from birthday, to bridal, to maternity. She believes in the power of boudoir to celebrate every body and foster self-love and confidence. She has a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge. This article has been viewed 534,810 times.
Layers in Photoshop allow you to work on one element of an image without disturbing the others.[1]X Expert Source Brynne ZaniboniProfessional PhotographerExpert Interview As you get closer to finishing your image, you may want to merge layers that no longer need to be edited separately. Merging layers also reduces the overall file size of your project. This wikiHow teaches you how to merge different types of layers in Adobe Photoshop.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 5:
Merging Two or More Layers
Download Article
1 Make the layers you want to merge visible. You can only merge layers that are visible. If a layer is visible, you'll see an eyeball icon to the left of its name. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball, click the box to add the eyeball.
2 Select the layers you want to merge. To select multiple layers, hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard as you click each layer.[2]XResearch source
You can also merge sets of grouped layers. Just select the group you want to merge as though it were a single layer.
The layers will merge into the top-most layer and keep its name.
Advertisement
3 Click the Layer menu. It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
4 Click Merge Layers. The selected layers are now combined into a single layer.
In the future, you can merge layers after selecting them using the shortcut Ctrl + E (PC) or Cmd + E (Mac).
You can also merge a layer into the one below it by right-clicking the layer and selecting Merge Down.
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 5:
Merging All Layers
Download Article
1 Make the layers you want to merge visible. If a layer is visible, you'll see an eyeball icon to the left of its name. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball, click the box to add the eyeball.
2 Click the Layer menu. It's at the top of the screen.
3 Click Merge Visible. All visible layers are now merged into one.
You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + E (PC) or Cmd + Shift + E (Mac) to merge all visible layers.
If you want to merge all layers, including hidden layers, you can choose Flatten Image from the menu instead. When you flatten an image, any transparent areas will be filled with white.
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 5:
Combining Layers into a New Layer
Download Article
1 Make the layers you want to merge visible. Use this method if you want to create a new layer by merging two or more existing layers without affecting those layers. If a layer is visible, you'll see an eyeball icon to the left of its name. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball, click the box to add the eyeball.
2 Select the layers you want to merge. To select multiple layers, hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard as you click each layer.
You can also merge sets of grouped layers. Just select the group you want to merge as though it were a single layer.
3 Press Ctrl+Alt+E (PC) or ⌘ Cmd+⌥ Opt+E (Mac). This creates a brand new layer containing the contents of the selected layers. The original layers have not been merged, so you can still edit them separately.
Advertisement Method 4 Method 4 of 5:
Merging Layers in a Clipping Mask
Download Article
1 Hide the layers you don't want to merge. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball next to the layer name, that means the layer is hidden. If there's an eyeball next to the name of a layer you don't want to merge, click it to remove it. Only layers you want to merge should be visible.
2 Select the bottom layer in the clipping mask. The bottom/base layer is the one with the underlined name.[3]XResearch source
3 Click the Layer menu. It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
4 Click Merge Clipping Mask. The layers are now combined into one.
Advertisement Method 5 Method 5 of 5:
Finding Alternatives to Merging
Download Article
1 Link layers to move, edit, and copy without merging. Linked layers stay discrete, meaning you could edit them separately if you wanted. However, every time you click on one linked layer, you automatically adjust the layer(s) it is linked to as well. This is a good way to make large changes to many layers without having to merge.[4]XResearch source
2 Group layers to work on specific sections at one time. If you've got a series of layers that all make up the same image, such as a shading, sketching, and inking layer for a small animated character, you can group them together, allowing you to see and work on just these layers in the larger image. To group:
Select multiple layers in the layers panel.
Right-click and select Group from Layers. You can also drag the layers onto the little folder icon in the bottom of the layers panel.
3 Troubleshoot issues by rasterizing any layers you can't group or edit. This is only an issue, on occasion, with merging. Still, if none of your options come up to merge, try to:
Right-click the layer and select Rasterize.
Check to make sure the layers are visible
Make sure clipping masks are selected as well—you'll need to highlight them to merge, or they may not let you merge.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
wikiHow Video: How to Combine Layers in Photoshop
Watch
You Might Also Like
A Complete Guide to Layer Masks in PhotoshopEasily Unlock Any Layer in Photoshop: Even the Background LayerHow toUse Adobe PhotoshopHow to Make Parts of An Image Transparent in PhotoshopEasy Ways to Fade Two Images Together in PhotoshopHow toOpen Multiple Images As Layers in Photoshop Using Bridge2 Easy Ways to Remove Text from an Image in PhotoshopHow to Isolate an Image from the Background in PhotoshopHow to Merge Images in Microsoft Paint on Windows 10How toOverlay Pictures in PhotoshopHow to Adjust Opacity in Adobe PhotoshopHow toRemove Background With Photoshop ElementsHow toBlend Colors in PhotoshopFlatten in Cricut Design Space: What It Does & How to Use It Advertisement
References
↑ Brynne Zaniboni. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Brynne Zaniboni Professional Photographer This article was co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Brynne Zaniboni is a Professional Photographer based in Los Angeles, California. With nearly 10 years of photography experience, Brynne is a Portrait, Fashion, and Music Photographer. Brynne is also the founder of Backroom Boudoir Photography, offering a range of boudoir shoots from birthday, to bridal, to maternity. She believes in the power of boudoir to celebrate every body and foster self-love and confidence. She has a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge. This article has been viewed 534,810 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 12Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 534,810 Categories: Adobe PhotoshopArticle SummaryX
1. Right-click one or more layers. 2. Select Merge Down to combine the current layer with the one below. 3. Select Merge Layers to combine multiple layers. 4. Select Merge Visible to specify which layers to merge. 5. Select Flatten Image to merge all layers together. Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Italian Russian German French Indonesian Arabic
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 534,810 times.
Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Aug 31, 2016
"You're pretty good with this stuff! Thanks to this, I can make my YT banner!"
Share your story
Is this article up to date?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Brynne Zaniboni Professional Photographer Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 534,810
Anonymous
Aug 31, 2016
"You're pretty good with this stuff! Thanks to this, I can make my YT banner!" Share yours!
Quizzes & Games
What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizEmoji TestTake QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizIQ TestTake QuizPhotographic Memory TestTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
A Complete Guide to Layer Masks in PhotoshopEasily Unlock Any Layer in Photoshop: Even the Background LayerHow toUse Adobe PhotoshopHow to Make Parts of An Image Transparent in Photoshop
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
How toTie a Loop KnotHow toMake Body OilHow toMake Almond MilkHow toWash White Clothes by HandHow toSkin a ChickenHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar
Trending Articles
What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?
Quizzes & Games
Super Abilities QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Draw QuizTake QuizWhat Does My Dream Mean QuizTake QuizMinecraft Trivia QuizTake QuizName the Meme QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake Quiz
Categories
Computers and Electronics
Software
Adobe Software
Adobe Photoshop
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve
Download Article Easy to follow steps on merging layers in Photoshop Co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni and Nicole Levine, MFA 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Brynne Zaniboni Professional Photographer This article was co-authored by Brynne Zaniboni and by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Brynne Zaniboni is a Professional Photographer based in Los Angeles, California. With nearly 10 years of photography experience, Brynne is a Portrait, Fashion, and Music Photographer. Brynne is also the founder of Backroom Boudoir Photography, offering a range of boudoir shoots from birthday, to bridal, to maternity. She believes in the power of boudoir to celebrate every body and foster self-love and confidence. She has a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Northridge. This article has been viewed 534,810 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 12 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 534,810 Categories: Adobe Photoshop Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
704 
1 Make the layers you want to merge visible. You can only merge layers that are visible. If a layer is visible, you'll see an eyeball icon to the left of its name. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball, click the box to add the eyeball. 
2 Select the layers you want to merge. To select multiple layers, hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard as you click each layer.[2] 
3 Click the Layer menu. It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen. 
4 Click Merge Layers. The selected layers are now combined into a single layer. 
1 Make the layers you want to merge visible. If a layer is visible, you'll see an eyeball icon to the left of its name. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball, click the box to add the eyeball. 
2 Click the Layer menu. It's at the top of the screen. 
3 Click Merge Visible. All visible layers are now merged into one. 
1 Make the layers you want to merge visible. Use this method if you want to create a new layer by merging two or more existing layers without affecting those layers. If a layer is visible, you'll see an eyeball icon to the left of its name. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball, click the box to add the eyeball. 
2 Select the layers you want to merge. To select multiple layers, hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard as you click each layer. 
3 Press Ctrl+Alt+E (PC) or ⌘ Cmd+⌥ Opt+E (Mac). This creates a brand new layer containing the contents of the selected layers. The original layers have not been merged, so you can still edit them separately. Advertisement 
1 Hide the layers you don't want to merge. If there's an empty box instead of an eyeball next to the layer name, that means the layer is hidden. If there's an eyeball next to the name of a layer you don't want to merge, click it to remove it. Only layers you want to merge should be visible. 
2 Select the bottom layer in the clipping mask. The bottom/base layer is the one with the underlined name.[3] 
3 Click the Layer menu. It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen. 
4 Click Merge Clipping Mask. The layers are now combined into one. Advertisement 
1 Link layers to move, edit, and copy without merging. Linked layers stay discrete, meaning you could edit them separately if you wanted. However, every time you click on one linked layer, you automatically adjust the layer(s) it is linked to as well. This is a good way to make large changes to many layers without having to merge.[4] 
2 Group layers to work on specific sections at one time. If you've got a series of layers that all make up the same image, such as a shading, sketching, and inking layer for a small animated character, you can group them together, allowing you to see and work on just these layers in the larger image. To group: 
3 Troubleshoot issues by rasterizing any layers you can't group or edit. This is only an issue, on occasion, with merging. Still, if none of your options come up to merge, try to: 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.