How to Merge Layers in Photoshop

Keeping your layers organized is key. Here’s how to merge layers in Photoshop.

Photoshop works with layers. Layers are crucial because they allow you to follow a non-destructive approach to photo editing. They are helpful because they let you hide or remove edits with a simple click. At some point, you will need to merge all the layers to export the file. You might want to print your photo or share it on social media. Merging layers is not hard, but you have to know what you are doing or risk losing your work.

Let’s see how to merge layers in Photoshop in a few simple steps.

Related: How to Whiten Teeth in Photoshop

How to Merge Layers in Photoshop Step-by-Step

There are three different methods to merge layers in Photoshop. We are going to use the latest version of Photoshop. Make sure you use the most appropriate method based on what you want to obtain.
Read to the end to learn a hidden method to merge all layers in Photoshop.

Method 1: Merge Layers

It’s time to finalize your post-processing and send it to the printer. Let’s see the first method for merging layers in Photoshop.

Step 1: Open the Layer Panel

If you haven’t already, open the Layer Panel from the top menu bar.
Go to Window > Layers or press F7 on your keyboard.

You will see the Layers panel at the bottom right corner of the Photoshop window.

Step 2: Select Layers

Select all the layers you want to merge by left-clicking on the top layer.

Press and hold Shift on your keyboard, and left-click on the Background layer at the bottom of the list.

Step 3: Merge Layers in Photo

You can now right-click on the selected layers, and when the menu opens, click on Merge Layers.

If you are anything like me, you like to use keyboard shortcuts, press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Cmd + E (Mac). All the selected layers will merge into one.

Method 2: Merge Visible Layers in Photoshop

This time we are going to take a different approach. For some reason, you want to hide but not remove some of the layers you have created. At the same time, you need to reduce the file size. In this case, ‘Merge Visible’ comes to the rescue.

Step 1: Showing the Layers Panel

This step is the same as method 1. Press F7 to show the Layers panel. Otherwise, go to Window > Layers.

Step 2: Hide Layers

Left-click on the eye icon to hide the layers you don’t want to merge. Click again to make it visible.

Step 3: Merging Visible Layers

Right-click on one of the visible layers. From the opening menu, select Merge Visible. As you can see, Merge Layers is disabled.

After you click on Merge Visible, Photoshop will merge the visible layers into one, leaving the hidden layers intact.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + E (Windows), Cmd + Shift + E (Mac)

Method 3: Flatten Image

This method is useful if you need to reduce the file size. The flattening tool merges all layers into one and removes all hidden layers.
Since it causes you to lose all the layers, use it only if you are sure it’s what you need. Once you save and close the document, there is no way to regain all the separate layers you had.

Step 1: Flatten Layers

Right-click on any of the layers in the list and select Flatten Image from the menu.

Step 2: Confirm

If you have hidden layers, a popup window will ask you to confirm you want to remove them.

If you don’t have hidden layers, Photoshop will proceed without asking you to confirm.

Secret Method: Merge All Layers

This method is the best way to merge layers, and I always use it. You’ll see why in a moment. The interesting thing about it is that it’s only available via a keyboard shortcut.

It’s useful because it allows you to keep all your existing layers and merge them as a copy into a new layer. In my post-processing workflow, I use it to keep a separate copy of my original photo, the edit layers, and the final image.

Related: How to Crop an Image in Photoshop

Step 1: Start From the Top Layer

When creating a new layer in Photoshop, it appears in the layers panel on top of the current layer. You will want your merged layers to be at the top of the layer list. So, you must select the top layer in the layers panel.

Step 2: Merge Copy of All Layers onto a New Layer

Now use the secret shortcut to merge all the layers into a new one as a copy.
Secret keyboard shortcut: Shift + Ctrl + Alt + E (Windows) or Shift + Cmd + Option + E (Mac)
If you now look at the Layers panel, you will now see a new layer at the top of all the original layers. This new layer is a merged copy of all the other layers present.

Step 3: Rename the New Layer

It’s a good practice to rename your layers. Have descriptive names and keep your workflow efficient and straightforward. Select the layer you want to rename and double click on the layer’s name. Type the new name and hit Enter. It’s that simple. In this image, you can see how I rename my layers when I merge them in Photoshop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I blend two photos together in Photoshop?
   To blend two photos together in Photoshop, first open both photos in separate layers. Then, use the Move tool to position the layers on top of each other. Adjust the layer blending modes and opacities to achieve the desired blend. You can also use layer masks and brush tools to blend the photos together more seamlessly.
2. How do I mask a layer in Photoshop?
   To mask a layer in Photoshop, first select the layer you want to mask. Then, click the “Add Layer Mask” button at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will create a white layer mask, which will hide the selected layer. Use the brush and gradient tools to paint black on the layer mask to reveal the hidden layer in those areas.
3. Can I use multiple layers in Photoshop?
   Yes, you can use multiple layers in Photoshop. In fact, using multiple layers is one of the key features of Photoshop, as it allows you to combine and edit multiple images and elements in a single document. Each layer can be edited independently, and you can adjust the order and blending of the layers to create your desired image.
4. How do I adjust the opacity of a layer in Photoshop?
   To adjust the opacity of a layer in Photoshop, select the layer in the Layers panel and then use the “Opacity” slider at the top of the panel to change the layer’s transparency. Lowering the opacity will make the layer more transparent, while increasing the opacity will make it more opaque.
5. How do I move a layer in Photoshop?
   To move a layer in Photoshop, first select the layer in the Layers panel. Then, use the Move tool to click and drag the layer to the desired position in the document. Alternatively, you can use the arrow keys on your keyboard to nudge the layer in small increments.
6. Can I merge layers in Photoshop?
   Yes, you can merge layers in Photoshop. To do this, select the layers you want to merge in the Layers panel, and then go to the “Layer” menu and select “Merge Layers”. This will combine the selected layers into a single layer, which will be placed above the original layers in the Layers panel.
7. How do I create a new layer in Photoshop?
   To create a new layer in Photoshop, go to the “Layer” menu and select “New” followed by “Layer”. This will open the “New Layer” dialog, where you can specify the name and other settings for the new layer. Once you click “OK”, a new layer will be added to the Layers panel in your document.
8. Can I add a layer mask in Photoshop?
   Yes, you can add a layer mask in Photoshop. A layer mask is a grayscale image that is used to hide or reveal parts of a layer. To add a layer mask, select the layer in the Layers panel and then click the “Add Layer Mask” button at the bottom of the panel. This will add a white layer mask to the selected layer, which will hide the layer by default.
9. How do I delete a layer in Photoshop?
   To delete a layer in Photoshop, select the layer in the Layers panel and then press the “Delete” key on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can right-click on the layer and select “Delete Layer” from the context menu. This will remove the selected layer from the document.

Before You Go

Now you know how to merge layers in Photoshop. With these methods, you can improve and speed up your post-processing. You can also avoid losing important information by adopting a non-destructive workflow.