InDesign

Merge layers in a document

You can reduce the number of layers in a document without deleting any objects by merging layers. When you merge layers, objects from all selected layers are moved to the target layer. Of the layers you merge, only the target layer remains in the document; the other selected layers are deleted. You can also flatten a document by merging all layers.

Note: If you merge layers containing a mix of page objects and master items, the master items move to the back of the resulting merged layer.
  1. In the Layers panel, select any combination of layers. Be sure to include the layer you want to target as the merged layer. If you’re flattening the document, select all layers in the panel.
  2. Click any selected layer to make it the target layer, indicated by the pen.
  3. Choose Merge Layers in the Layers panel menu.

You can also merge identically named layers for exporting to PDF.