How Do You Merge Path Layers in Photoshop?

To merge path layers in Photoshop, you essentially copy and paste paths from one layer to another. Here's how you do it:

1. Make the paths visible: In the Paths panel (Window > Paths), select the path layers you want to merge. This ensures the paths are active and visible on your canvas.

2. Select the paths: Using the Path Selection Tool (the black arrow, A), drag a rectangle around all the individual paths you want to merge. This selects all the paths you want to combine.

3. Copy the paths: Press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Cmd+C (Mac) to copy the selected paths to your clipboard.

4. Target the destination path: In the Paths panel, click on the path layer where you want to paste the copied paths. This activates that path.

5. Paste the paths: Press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac) to paste the copied paths into the selected path layer. The paths will now be part of this layer.

Important Considerations:

• Multiple Paths: The above steps work whether you're merging single paths or multiple paths.
• Path Operations (Combine, Subtract, etc.): After merging, you can use the Path Operations options (available in the Options bar when the Path Selection Tool or Direct Selection Tool are active) to combine the shapes in more complex ways (e.g., combining them into a single shape, subtracting one shape from another, or creating an intersection).
• Organizing Paths: Use folders within the Paths panel to keep your paths organized, especially when working with complex designs.