Select Window > Layers to open the Layers panel.
Last updated on
Sep 11, 2025
Learn how to merge and flatten layers to consolidate objects, groups, and sublayers into a single layer or group.
Merging lets you combine selected objects, while flattening merges all visible items into one layer. Illustrator retains the stacking order but does not preserve attributes like clipping masks.
Merge layers
In the Layers panel, press Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS), and then select the names of the layers or groups that you want to merge or press Shift to select all the items in between the layer or group names.
In the Layers panel, select the Layers panel menu icon, and then select Merge Selected. Objects merge into the last selected layer or group.
Note
- Layers at the same level can merge with each other.
- Sublayers can merge only within the same parent layer.
- Individual objects cannot be merged with other objects.
To flatten layers, follow these steps:
- Select the name of the layer into which you want to consolidate the artwork.
- Select Flatten Artwork from the Layers panel menu .
Flatten layers
In the Layers panel, select the name of the layer into which you want to consolidate the artwork.
Select Flatten Artwork from the Layers panel menu .
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