Merging layers in Photoshop CS5 combines two or more layers into one, which simplifies a crowded Layers panel, lets you apply one filter to several elements, and reduces file size. Photoshop gives you several merge commands, each with a keyboard shortcut. This guide explains each one, plus non-destructive alternatives that let you keep editing later. The steps also work in newer versions of Photoshop.
Quick Answer
In the Layers panel, hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) and click the layers you want to combine. Right-click one of them and choose Merge Layers, or press Ctrl + E (Cmd + E).
Merge Selected Layers
- Open the Layers panel with Window > Layers (or press F7) if it isn’t visible.
- Click the first layer, then hold Ctrl and click each additional layer. Hold Shift to select a continuous range.
- Right-click one of the selected layers (on its name, not the thumbnail) and choose Merge Layers, or press Ctrl + E.
The merged layer takes the name of the topmost selected layer.
Other Merge Commands
| Command | Shortcut (Win / Mac) | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Merge Down | Ctrl + E / Cmd + E (one layer selected) | Merges the selected layer into the layer directly below it |
| Merge Visible | Shift + Ctrl + E / Shift + Cmd + E | Merges all visible layers, leaving hidden ones alone |
| Flatten Image | Layer menu | Merges everything into a single Background layer and discards hidden layers |
| Stamp Visible | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + E / Cmd + Option + Shift + E | Creates a new merged layer on top while keeping all original layers |
Merge Without Losing Your Layers
- Stamp Visible creates a merged copy while leaving the originals untouched.
- Duplicate first: select the layers, drag them onto the New Layer icon to duplicate, then merge the copies.
- Convert to Smart Object: right-click selected layers and choose Convert to Smart Object. They act as one layer but you can double-click to edit the originals later.
- Group layers: press Ctrl + G to organize layers into a folder without combining pixels.
What Happens to Layer Properties
- Blending modes and opacity are applied permanently to the merged pixels.
- Adjustment layers merged with normal layers bake their effect into the pixels.
- Layer styles (drop shadows, strokes) are rasterized.
- Text layers become regular pixels and can no longer be edited as text.
Want to hide instead? See hiding a layer in Photoshop.
Troubleshooting
- Merge Layers is grayed out: you may have only one layer selected (use Merge Down), or a selected layer is hidden or locked.
- Result looks different: blending modes and clipping masks can change appearance once merged. Undo with Ctrl + Z or use the History panel.
- Need to undo later: once you save and close, merges can’t be undone. Keep a layered PSD backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does merging layers reduce file size?
Usually, yes, because there are fewer layers to store.
Can I unmerge layers?
Only with Undo or the History panel before closing the file. Use Smart Objects when you might need to separate layers again.
Summary
- Ctrl-click the layers to merge.
- Right-click and choose Merge Layers, or press Ctrl + E.
- Use Merge Visible, Flatten Image, or Stamp Visible when appropriate.
- Use Smart Objects or Stamp Visible to keep editable originals.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.