Merge and stamp layers

Last updated on Oct 6, 2026

Use merge to permanently combine layers or stamp to create non-destructive merged copies.

Combining layers helps reduce file complexity and organize your work. Merging permanently combines layers into one, while stamping creates a new merged layer without altering the originals.

Merge operations permanently combine layers and is irreversible after saving your document. Use merge to simplify layer structure once the edits are complete. Use stamp operations to preserve the original layers for future adjustments with combined layer content. Learn more about how to flatten layers that merges all layers into a background.

At least two layers in your document
A pixel layer at the bottom of your merge selection (adjustment or fill layers are not applicable)

Note

When you save a merged document, you cannot revert to the unmerged state; the layers are permanently merged.

Merge two adjacent layers

Select the top layer of two adjacent visible layers in the Layers panel.

Verify the bottom layer is a pixel layer, not an adjustment or fill layer.

Select Layer > Merge Down, or press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Command + E (macOS).

Merge selected visible layers

Hide any layers you don't want to merge by selecting the visibility icon in the Layers panel.

Select a pixel layer as your base layer.

Select Layer > Merge Visible, or press Shift + Ctrl + E (Windows) or Shift + Command + E (macOS).

This combines only the visible layers into your selected base layer while preserving hidden layers.

Merge multiple selected layers

In the Layers panel, select all layers you want to merge (vector or pixel layers).

Select Layer > Merge Layers, or press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Command + E (macOS).

Merge linked layers

Select Layer > Select Linked Layers to select all linked layers.

Select Layer > Merge Layers, or press Ctrl + E (Windows) or Command + E (macOS).

Merge layers in a clipping mask

Hide any layers you don't want to merge.

In the Layers panel, select the base layer in the clipping mask. The base layer must be a raster layer.

Select Layer > Merge Clipping Mask.

Learn how to Reveal layers with clipping masks.

Stamp active layers into a new layer

Stamping creates a new layer containing merged content while preserving your original layers. This non-destructive workflow lets you apply edits to the combined content without permanently altering the source layers.

Select the layers you want to stamp in the Layers panel.

Press Alt + Ctrl + E (Windows) or Option + Command + E (macOS).

A new layer appears above your selection containing the merged content of all selected layers.

Stamp visible layers into a new layer

Hide any layers you don't want to include by turning off their visibility in the Layers panel.

Select any layer in the Layers panel.

Press Shift + Alt + Ctrl + E (Windows) or Shift + Option + Command + E (macOS).

Alternatively, press Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while selecting Merge Visible from the Layers panel menu.

Tip

Use stamp operations when you need to apply filters or adjustments to multiple layers as a single unit but want to maintain the flexibility of your original layer structure.

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