Inkscape

how do you merge layers?

Asked by Pseudacris

I have created about 17 layers for an illustration in Inkscape and now it's running too slow for me to be able to work on it. Is there a way to merge layers? This would really fix my problem.
I've looked in the help file and scoured forums, but I can't find an answer.
Thanks for the help.

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Alexandre Prokoudine
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sas (sas-sas) said : 		#1

There isn't a way to merge layers at present. But I don't think merging layers would provide any speed up anyway.

You should be able to speed things up a bit by hiding layers that you're not working with, or by changing the view mode to No Filters (dev versions only) or Outline.

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Best Alexandre Prokoudine (alexandre-prokoudine) said : 		#2

There is a simple workaround for merging layers :)

1. Ctrl-Alt-A for selecting everything in all layers.
2. Ctrl-X for cutting and placing it into clipboard.
3. Delete all layers except the bottom one.
4. Ctrl-Alt-V to paste in place.
5. Save.

We have a feature request for that: https://bugs.launchpad.net/inkscape/+bug/170614

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Pseudacris (sienna-morris) said : 		#3

Oh, that makes sense! I don't know why I didn't think of that. I'll try both of those suggestions.
Will the next version have the ability to merge layers? I can really see a lot of use for it.

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Pseudacris (sienna-morris) said : 		#4

Thanks Alexandre Prokoudine, that solved my question.

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nomentanus (was173) said : 		#5

I'm ten minutes in to trying Inkscape and . . . you don't have "Merge Layers" ? @#$^%??? Oy. I think I hear GIMP calling me.

So why leave this here and not with the feature request... because the last time that's been touched was two years ago. Yep, that's GIMP calling me, alright.