How to Merge and Group Layers in Illustrator
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Grouping and merging layers are very helpful when working in Adobe Illustrator. It saves time and allows you to organize your vector artwork and Ai files.
When you merge layers, multiple layers are combined to form a single layer. For example, you may have shapes on two separate layers that you want to combine into one layer.
Illustrator doesn't have a “group layers” function, but there are ways to do it. When we talk about grouping layers, it involves selecting specific objects within different layers and grouping them together, without merging the layers.
Today, I'll explain how to group and merge layers in Illustrator in simple steps, and you'll better understand how they work. Let's start…
Related reading: How to Lock Layers in Illustrator
How to Group Layers in Illustrator
If you're a Photoshop user, you're probably familiar with the functionality to group layers (represented by a folder in the Layers Panel). There isn't a similar option to unite orgroup layers in Illustrator, but objects can be grouped with some creativity. When you group objects from two layers (or more), you may be able to achieve what you're aiming for. We can follow two steps for grouping objects.
Step: 1
Select the objects you want to group and go to the overhead menu Object > Group or use the shortcut Ctrl + G.
Step: 2
When you want to group objects of different layers, open the layer panel overhead menu Window > Layers or use the shortcut F7. Select the layers by clicking the circle and pressing the Shift key, then click another circle and press Ctrl + G.
How to Ungroup Objects in Illustrator
If you want to ungroup the objects, then simply go to the overhead menu Object > Ungroup or use the shortcut Shift + Ctrl + G.
How to Merge Layers in Illustrator
Select the layers you want to merge. Then go to Layers Panel Options, which displays by clicking on the right corner of the panel. Then choose Merge Selected.
Now you're back in the Layers Panel. You'll see only one layer instead of multiple layers. The selected layers have been successfully merged into one.
Can You Unmerge Layers in Illustrator?
You can’t unmerge the layers, so you must be very careful before deciding to merge, combine, or flatten layers. It's best to merge layers only when you're done working with a design and looking to clean up the file so it's better organized.
Although layers can't be unmerged, you can edit the objects inside the layer. In the Layers Panel, click on the hidden menu and select Release to Layers (Sequence or Build). The objects will be visible on the layer, but then they will be separated into different layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, two or more layers can be merged in Illustrator, combining them into one layer. First, you need to select the layers you want to merge. Then click on the hamburger icon in the Layers Panel and select Release to Layers (Sequence) and your layers will be merged or combined.
Illustrator does not have a dedicated function to group layers, but you still may be able to accomplish what you're after by grouping objects from multiple layers.
Final Thoughts
That covers how to group or merge layers in Adobe Illustrator. Understanding how layers work and how to use them will help in all aspects of your work in Illustrator. Next time you want to combine layers, the task will be easy.
