You can't directly "link" layers in InDesign in the way you might link objects or text frames. However, you can merge layers, which combines their contents into a single layer. Here's how:
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Select the Layers: In the Layers panel (Window > Layers), select the layers you want to merge. Hold down the Shift key to select multiple contiguous layers, or the Ctrl/Cmd key to select non-contiguous layers. Be sure to include the layer you want the merged content to end up on.
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Choose the Target Layer: Click on any selected layer in the Layers panel. This designates that layer as the "target" layer. A pen icon will appear next to the target layer, indicating where the content from the other selected layers will be moved.
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Merge the Layers: In the Layers panel menu (the small menu icon in the top right corner of the Layers panel), choose "Merge Layers."
Important Considerations:
- Merging is Destructive: Merging layers is a permanent action. You cannot easily "unmerge" them. It's advisable to save a version of your document before merging layers, just in case you need to revert back.
- Target Layer Attributes: The resulting merged layer will inherit the attributes (visibility, locking, etc.) of the target layer.
- Objects Move: All objects from the other selected layers are moved to the target layer.
Alternative to "Linking": Grouping Objects
If you want to keep layers separate but need to treat objects on different layers as a single unit, consider grouping them instead of merging. Select the objects you want to group (even if they're on different layers) and choose Object > Group (Ctrl/Cmd + G). Grouping doesn't combine the layers but allows you to move, scale, or otherwise transform the selected objects together.
