I ran out of layers and don't know what to merge
Why this happens
Procreate limits layers based on canvas size and iPad RAM. It's a hard ceiling, not a setting you can change. When you hit the limit, Procreate won't let you create new layers — and it won't let you duplicate existing ones either.
SAFE BACKUP BEFORE MERGING
- Go to the Gallery (tap the arrow top left)
- Swipe left on the piece → Duplicate. You now have a full backup copy with all layers intact
- Go back into the original and merge there. The Gallery duplicate is your safety net
NOW MERGE IN THE ORIGINAL
Delete every sketch or guide layer you no longer need.
Find layers of the same type that won't need separate editing — multiple shadow layers all on Multiply, for example. Swipe right on each to select them → Group → flatten the group.
The Duplicate-in-Gallery method takes 5 seconds and is the only reliable backup when you've hit the layer limit — don't try to duplicate individual layers at this point, Procreate won't allow it.