How To Merge Layers In Krita

It is very difficult to get lost in Krita, a beginner-friendly software that is extremely easy to use. However, we are here if you still need help merging layers in Krita! 

To merge layers in Krita, go to the layers panel and select the ones you want to merge. Now hit Ctrl + E. The layers will be merged. If you wish to flatten the image, go to the control menu on top, go to the Layers option, and click on Flatten Image. 

To learn these techniques in more detail, please continue reading the article. 

How To Enable The Layers Panel In Krita?

Before you can begin working with layers, you must enable the layers panel if you cannot see it already. 

To do so:

  1. Open Krita.
  2. Select the “Windows” menu from the control bar on your screen.
  3. Now, go to Dockers from the drop-down menu.
  4. Select Layers from the list of available dockers.
  5. The Layers panel will now appear on the right side of the Krita window.

Watch this Youtube video to learn about layers fully:

Merging Layers In Krita

Let us get straight into the matter of concern! To merge the layers in Krita, follow the instructions below. 

  1. Draw an artwork using multiple layers.
  2. Go to the layers panel on the right side of your screen. 
  3. Before we begin merging, turn off the Background layer.
  4. Start selecting the layers that you wish to merge. 
  5. Now hit Control + E. 
  6. Your layers will move into one singular layer. 

How To Select Layers Easily In Krita?

Selecting layers can be tricky sometimes. Two options are available to do this easily; one selects layers close by while the other selects layers at a distance. 

To select layers that are next to each other:

  1. Press and hold the Shift key. 
  2. Now select the layers that are close to each other. 

To select layers that are at a distance from each other: 

  1. Press and hold the Control key.
  2. Now select the layers randomly, even when they are not placed next to each other. 

How To Hide A Layer In Krita?

When displaying an image, you can hide or show one or many specific layers. This is good when you are experimenting with new things, and you need to test the introduction of something new in your work. If you do not like it, you can turn the layer off and hide it. 

To do so, follow these steps. 

  1. Go to your layers panel.
  2. Look at the left side of your layers, where they are listed.
  3. Click on the little eye that appears in this spot. 
  4. Click on it to make it white and hide the layer from the display.
  5. You can click on it again to make the eye gray in color to show the layer in the display. 

Merging Layers In Krita By Flattening The Image In Krita

Did you think we were done? Krita offers its users another feature that is very similar to merging layers. Flattening the image allows you to combine all the layers into one background layer. You do not need to select the layers. 

To perform this action in Krita: 

  1. Go to the control panel on the top of your screen.
  2. Go to the Layers option.
  3. Look for “Flatten Image.” This would be the second last option in the drop-down menu. 
  4. All the layers will turn into a Background layer. 

How Is Merging Layers Different From Flattening The Image?

Merging two layers is combining two separate layers into one while flattening an image is merging all of the visible layers of an image into one layer. Merging images allows two layers to be combined, while flattening an image reduces the number of layers in an image to one, resulting in a single image. 

Merging layers allows for greater flexibility in editing, while flattening an image reduces the complexity of the image. For an artist to be in control and be able to tweak little things in their art, merging layers offers more versatility than the flattening the image option. 

Is Merging Layers Better Than Flattening The Image?

Merging layers can be beneficial if you need to apply certain adjustments or effects to multiple layers together or if you want to change a layer without affecting the other layers. Flattening the image can be beneficial when you want to reduce the file size or make a single-layer image easier to work with. The need for the two options varies greatly depending on your needs from Krita. 

Conclusion

Layers are an artist’s best friend when it comes to having creative freedom; being able to fix mistakes or introduce newer elements into your art piece is only possible due to layers. If it was not for layers, you might have had to start from scratch every time!