Unmerge Layers in Procreate: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Procreate is a powerful digital illustration app that has won many hearts with its intuitive interface and robust features. One such feature is the ability to work with layers. But, sometimes, you might merge layers and wish to undo the action. If that's the case, you're in luck! In this guide, we're going to specifically cover how to unmerge layers in Procreate, and kick things off by introducing you to the basics of Procreate.

1. Kick off with Procreate

Before we jump into how to unmerge layers in Procreate, let's get you familiar with the app. We'll start with how to download and install Procreate, navigate through its interface, and create a new canvas.

Download and Install Procreate

The first step is to download Procreate. This art studio app is available on the App Store and is a paid app. Once you've purchased it, downloading and installing the app is as simple as tapping on the "Get" button. The digital canvas is just a few taps away!

Navigate the Interface

After installing Procreate, it's time to familiarize yourself with its interface. When you open Procreate, you'll find a + button at the top right—this is where you create a new canvas. On the left, you'll see a set of brushes, eraser, smudge tool, and the layering icon. On the right, there's a Colors button, Adjustments options, Actions menu, and the Gallery button to access your artworks. Remember, the magic happens in the middle—that's your canvas!

Create a New Canvas

To create a new canvas, tap on the + button at the top right of the screen. You'll see a variety of preset canvas sizes to choose from. You can also create a custom canvas by tapping on the + button in the top right corner of the New Canvas menu. Simply enter your desired dimensions, and voila—you're ready to start creating!

Now that you've got the basics down, let's start layering in Procreate and eventually learn how to unmerge layers in Procreate.

2. Start Layering

Working with layers in Procreate is like having an unlimited set of tracing papers. Each layer holds a part of your artwork, and when piled together, they create the final image. Let's learn how to create your first layer, add multiple layers, and experiment with layer effects.

Create Your First Layer

To create your first layer, open a new canvas and tap on the layering icon (two squares) on the top-right corner. You'll see "Layer 1"—that's your first layer. Now you can start sketching or painting on this layer. Remember, everything you do stays on this layer unless you create a new one. Isn't that neat?

Add Multiple Layers

Need more layers? No problem. Tap on the + button in the Layers panel to add a new layer. Your new layer is always added above the layer you currently have selected. You can add as many layers as you need—however, keep in mind that the number of layers you can add depends on the size of your canvas and the capacity of your device.

Experiment with Layer Effects

One of the best parts about working with layers is the ability to experiment with different effects. You can change the opacity of a layer, duplicate it, or even add blending effects. To access these options, simply swipe a layer to the left. But remember, don't merge your layers yet—we're getting to that part next!

With these basic layering skills, you're all set to dive deeper into how to merge and unmerge layers in Procreate.

3. Merge Layers in Procreate

Merging layers in Procreate is like turning your layer stack into a single layer. This process can help reduce clutter and manage complex projects. Let's walk through the steps of selecting layers to merge, applying the merge, and reviewing the result.

Select Layers to Merge

To start merging, you need to select the layers you want to merge. Simply tap on one layer to select it, then swipe right on the other layers you want to include in the merge. The selected layers will be highlighted. Now you're ready to merge!

Apply the Merge

Once you've selected your layers, tap on the "Merge Down" option in the layer actions menu. This will combine your selected layers into one. But remember, once you've merged your layers, you can't unmerge them—unless you undo the action right away. So make sure you're ready to merge before you tap!

Review the Result

Once you've applied the merge, take a moment to review the result. If everything looks as expected, you can continue with your artwork. If not, you can undo the merge and try again. Just remember—the undo option only works if you haven't made any other changes after the merge.

Now that you've got the hang of merging layers, let's move on to the star of our show: how to unmerge layers in Procreate.

4. Unmerge Layers Step-by-step

Unmerging layers in Procreate might seem like a magic trick, but it's actually quite simple. Let's dive into why you might need to unmerge layers, and then we'll follow the unmerge process step-by-step.

Understand the Need to Unmerge

Why would you need to unmerge layers in Procreate? Imagine you've merged a few layers together, but then you decide you want to change something on one of those original layers. That's when you might wish you knew how to unmerge layers in Procreate. It's a handy trick to have up your sleeve, especially when you're knee-deep in a complex art project.

Follow the Unmerge Process

Unmerging is simple—if you act fast. Here's how to unmerge layers in Procreate:

Right after you've merged the layers, go to the actions menu.
Select 'Undo'.
Voila! Your layers are unmerged.

Please note, you can only unmerge layers if you haven't made any changes after the merge. So if you merge layers and then draw something new, you can't unmerge those layers anymore.

Verify the Unmerged Layers

Once you've unmerged the layers, you should see your original layers reappear in the layers panel. Now you can continue to edit and adjust each layer as needed. Sometimes, unmerging can feel like stepping back in time—except you're not losing progress, you're gaining flexibility.

So there you have it: a straightforward guide on how to unmerge layers in Procreate. But hold on, we're not done yet. Let's explore some additional tips and tricks to get the most out of your Procreate experience.

5. Additional Tips and Tricks

While knowing how to unmerge layers in Procreate is a neat trick, there's so much more to explore. Let's dive into some extra tips and tricks that can make your Procreate journey even more rewarding.

Use Layer Opacity

Ever wanted to create a ghostly effect or just lighten up some of your artwork? Layer opacity is your friend. By adjusting the opacity of a layer, you can make parts of your work more transparent or less vibrant. It's like turning down the volume on a song—you can still hear it, but it's not as loud.

Try Layer Masking

Layer masking is a powerful tool in Procreate. It allows you to hide parts of a layer without permanently erasing them. Think of it as a magic eraser—you can always unerase if you change your mind. It's an invaluable tool when you're experimenting with different effects.

Explore Procreate Brushes

Procreate comes with a ton of different brushes, each with its own unique effect. From inking to watercolor to airbrushing, the possibilities are endless. Don't be afraid to experiment with different brushes. You might stumble upon a new favorite technique.

So there you have it, you're well on your way to mastering Procreate. Remember, art is all about experimenting and finding what works for you. Don't be afraid to make a mess and try new things. Happy creating!

If you found the step-by-step guide on unmerging layers in Procreate helpful, you'll definitely enjoy the workshop 'How to Draw A Fruit In ProCreate' by Vicky Catalan. This workshop will teach you how to use Procreate to create stunning fruit illustrations, enhancing your digital art skills and making the most out of the app's features.