Merging layers

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Merging layers lets you group them permanently. You can merge multiple layers into one layer, or merge layers with the canvas. For more information about merging layers with the canvas, see Dropping layers with the canvas. To merge special, plugin, shape and text layers, you must first convert them to default layers. For more information about converting layers to default layers, see To convert to a default layer. You can also merge all visible layers. For more information about showing and hiding layers, see Showing or hiding layers. When you merge layers, the file size of an image is decreased but you can no longer edit the layers independently.

To merge layers

 

To	Do the following
Merge two or more layers	Select the layers that you want to merge, and choose Layers Collapse Layers. Tip: You can also merge layers by selecting the layers, right-clicking, and choosing Collapse Layers.
Merge all visible layers	Select any visible layer, and choose Layers Collapse Visible Layers. Tips: • You can also merge all visible layers by right-clicking any layer, and choosing Collapse Visible Layers. • You can also merge all visible layers by pressing Command + Shift + E (macOS) or Ctrl + Shift +E (Windows).

The order of the layers in the Layers panel determines how overlapping content appears in the merged layer. Content in layers that are at the top of the list replaces overlapping content on the underlying layers.