Layers can be taken from one design to another by merging them. By having two designs open at the same time and merging selected layers, the layers can be transferred from one file to another. A particular layer from one design is often used to form a common element in a coordinating range of designs, such as a texture.
Before merging layers in this way, ensure that both designs are approximately the same size. If they are different sizes, the merged layers will distort to fit the destination file. It will also result in mixed resolutions.
Merging two documents
- Open the two designs you wish to merge
- In the second design, activate the layers that you wish to merge
- Click on the first design and go to Layer Menu > Merge. The following window will open:
The name of the second open file will appear in the top section of the window. By default, there will be a tick beside it.
- Click OK at the bottom of the window to merge the two documents together
Merging separated layers into one file
Separated layers which are supplied by engravers or separation studios are often supplied in universal formats such as TIFF, JPEG or PSD. These can be combined into one file to be recoloured or edited using the Merge function.
- Go to File Menu > Open and select all of the individual layer files to be put together in this design. A series of windows will open, each containing one layer.
- Find the window which contains the first layer in the design - usually it will be named in an obvious way, such as Layer 1.
- Go to Layer Menu > Merge.
- Select the options Merge All Documents and Close Source Documents After Merge and click OK. Each of the open files will be merged together into the active document and the other windows will close. The layers will have merged in alphanumerical order. If a different order is required, the layers can be moved by dragging their layer blocks up or down the layer list.
Did you know
When you open documents into AVA, you can select multiple files and tick the 'Merge files' option. When you click Open, the files will open and merge in one easy step.