How Do I Merge Layers in Harmony?

Merging layers in Harmony allows you to combine multiple drawing or effect layers into a single layer, which can simplify your timeline and project structure.

To merge layers in Harmony, you need to select the layers you wish to combine and then use the merge command. The process varies slightly depending on whether you are using the Timeline or Xsheet view.

Steps to Merge Layers

Here's how to merge layers based on the view you are currently using:

Merging Layers in the Timeline View

The Timeline view is a common way to manage your layers and timing.

• Select Layers: In the Timeline view, select the layers you want to merge. You can select multiple layers by holding down Shift or Ctrl (or Cmd on macOS) while clicking them.
• Execute Merge Command: Go to the top menu and select Edit > Merge.

Merging Layers in the Xsheet View

The Xsheet view provides a column-based layout, similar to a traditional exposure sheet.

• Select Columns: In the Xsheet view, Shift-click the headers of the columns you want to merge. The column headers are typically at the top of each column.
• Execute Merge Command:
  • You can use the same top menu command: Select Edit > Merge.
  • Alternatively, use the specific Xsheet menu: Right-click on the selected column headers or navigate to the Xsheet menu and select Columns > Merge Selected Columns.

View	Selection Method	Menu Command(s)
Timeline	Select layers	Edit > Merge
Xsheet	Shift-click column headers	Edit > Merge OR Xsheet menu > Columns > Merge Selected Columns

Important Considerations

• Layer Types: Be mindful of the types of layers you are merging. Merging different types of layers (e.g., a drawing layer and an effect layer) can sometimes lead to unexpected results. It's often best to merge layers of the same type or understand the implications of combining different types.
• Order Matters: The order in which you select layers might affect how they are merged, although for simple drawing layers, the visual outcome is often the same. Harmony typically merges them based on their current stacking order.
• Undo: Remember that you can typically use the Undo command (Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z) if the merge does not produce the desired result.

Merging layers helps organize your project, reduce clutter, and can sometimes improve performance by simplifying the scene structure.