how to unmerge layers in procreate

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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24-01-2025

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Procreate's layering system is a powerful tool for digital artists. However, accidentally merging layers can be frustrating. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to unmerge layers in Procreate, even if you thought it was impossible! Unfortunately, there's no single "unmerge" button. The solution depends on whether you merged the layers using the standard merge or the "Merge Visible" function. Let's explore both scenarios.

Understanding Layer Merging in Procreate

Before we dive into unmerging, it's helpful to understand how Procreate handles merging. When you merge layers, you permanently combine the visual information of the selected layers into a single layer. All individual layer information is lost. This is different from grouping layers, which keeps individual layers intact while visually organizing them.

Method 1: Undoing a Standard Layer Merge

If you've recently merged layers using the standard "Merge Layers" option (found in the Actions menu when selecting multiple layers), you likely have an easy fix:

1. Use the Undo Function: Procreate remembers your recent actions. The quickest way to unmerge is to simply tap the "Undo" arrow in the top left corner of the screen. If you haven't performed any other actions since merging, this will completely reverse the merge.

2. Multiple Undos: If you've taken several steps since the merge, you may need to use the Undo function multiple times until you reach the point before the layers were merged.

Method 2: Recovering Layers Merged with "Merge Visible"

The "Merge Visible" function is trickier to undo. This combines all visible layers, discarding layer information. There's no direct unmerge function for this. However, here are some strategies to potentially recover your work:

1. Check Your Procreate History: If you regularly save your work (which you should!), you can potentially revert to an earlier version of your canvas that existed before using the "Merge Visible" function. This is a great reason to save frequently! To revert:

• Open the file you want to recover.
• Tap the “Actions” button (the wrench icon) in the top right.
• Select “Open Recent”
• Choose an earlier saved version of the file.

2. Re-create the Layers: Sadly, sometimes the only solution is to painstakingly recreate the layers. This is more time-consuming, but it ensures you'll recover your work. Before you start, make sure you have clear references or sketches to help you recreate the layers accurately.

Preventing Future Layer Merges: Best Practices

Procreate's power lies in its layering flexibility. These strategies will minimize accidental merges:

• Save Frequently: Develop a habit of frequently saving your Procreate file. This creates checkpoints to revert to if a mistake happens.
• Use Groups: Instead of merging, group layers using the "Group Layers" feature in the Actions menu. This keeps the layers intact but visually organizes them.
• Double Check: Before merging, ensure you're merging the correct layers. Review the layers selected in the Layers panel.
• Create Duplicates: Before merging, create duplicates of crucial layers. This provides a backup in case you need to unmerge.

Conclusion

While Procreate doesn't have a dedicated "unmerge" button, understanding its undo function and saving strategies can help you easily recover from accidental layer merges. Remember to always save your work frequently, and use the grouping feature to avoid potential problems! Procreate provides a lot of power in the hands of its users— master the tool, and your artwork will improve.