I merged the wrong layers and I can't undo
FIRST — you might still be able to undo
- Are you still inside the canvas — not in the Gallery? Three-finger swipe down. If undo works: keep tapping until you're before the merge. Procreate keeps up to 250 steps
- NEVER go to the Gallery if you're not sure about your last action. The moment you exit to the Gallery, the entire undo history is wiped permanently — even if the app is still open
IF YOU'RE ALREADY PAST UNDO — check if timelapse was recording
Actions → Video → Export Timelapse. If it's there: export Full Resolution, scroll to the moment before the merge, screenshot that frame, import the screenshot back into Procreate as a new layer. Not your original layers — but enough to retrace what matters.
Nelli here. I once merged 6 hours of work into a single layer on a client project. Deadline in two days. I sat on the floor for a bit.
Then I stepped away — for me that meant tea, maybe for you it's a walk, a shower, five minutes of doing absolutely nothing. Whatever it is, do that first.
Came back, looked at what was on the canvas. Everything was still there, just flat. Started repainting from that base. Looser lines, better color, more confidence — because I already knew exactly where everything was going. The client never knew. It ended up being one of my best pieces that year.
The merged version is your sketch now. You already know the composition, the colors, every decision. The redraw will be faster and better. That's not optimism — that's just how repaints work.
Then I stepped away — for me that meant tea, maybe for you it's a walk, a shower, five minutes of doing absolutely nothing. Whatever it is, do that first.
Came back, looked at what was on the canvas. Everything was still there, just flat. Started repainting from that base. Looser lines, better color, more confidence — because I already knew exactly where everything was going. The client never knew. It ended up being one of my best pieces that year.
The merged version is your sketch now. You already know the composition, the colors, every decision. The redraw will be faster and better. That's not optimism — that's just how repaints work.
HOW TO MAKE SURE THIS NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN
- Before any merge: Gallery → swipe left on the piece → Duplicate → go back in. 10 seconds. This is the only reliable backup. Don't try to duplicate individual layers at the layer limit — Procreate won't allow it
- Name your layer groups clearly: "LINEART", "SHADOWS multiply", "BASE COLORS". Hard to accidentally destroy something with a real name
- Actions → Video → make sure timelapse recording is enabled on every canvas