Short Answer

Yes — in AutoCAD, you can merge two different layers into one by moving all objects from one layer to another with LAYMRG. This is the fastest and most common professional method because it reassigns objects automatically and can remove the source layer afterward. Limitation: you cannot merge a locked or externally dependent layer until that restriction is cleared.

What You Need to Know Before

Warning: LAYMRG permanently moves all objects on the selected source layer(s) to the destination layer, including objects inside blocks in many cases. If you merge the wrong layer, the result can affect plotting, color, linetype, and standards across the entire drawing.

How to Merge Two Layers into One

• Command: LAYMRG

• Shortcut: No default alias in standard AutoCAD

• Quick Steps:

  1. On the Ribbon, go to Home tab > Layers panel > Merge, or type LAYMRG.
  2. Select the source layer by picking an object on that layer or using the Name option to choose the layer from the list, then press Enter.
  3. Select an object on the target layer or choose the destination by name, then confirm Yes to merge the selected layer(s) into the target layer.

Variables & Settings

• Key Setting: In the layer properties Manager, make sure the source and target layers are On, Thawed, and Unlocked before running LAYMRG. If a layer is locked or frozen, selection and merge behavior may fail or become misleading.

Why it Fails

• Cause 1 (Geometry): Some objects may appear unchanged because their properties are set ByLayer, so after the merge they inherit the destination layer’s color, linetype, or lineweight and look different than expected.

• Cause 2 (Layers/Locks): The source or target layer is locked, frozen, off, or comes from an xref, so AutoCAD will not let you merge it normally.

• Cause 3 (Command/Logic): You selected the wrong destination layer, and LAYMRG moved everything correctly — just not where you intended. The source layer may also be deleted after merge if no dependent conditions remain.

Quick Fix & Best Practice

• Quick Fix: Run LAYERP immediately after a bad merge to restore the previous layer state, or use UNDO if the action was recent.
• Manager’s Verdict: Use LAYMRG for standards cleanup and layer consolidation because it is faster and safer than manually changing object layers. Avoid it until you verify plotting properties and layer naming in shared production drawings.

FAQ

Can I merge multiple layers into one in AutoCAD?
Yes, LAYMRG allows you to select multiple source layers and merge them into one destination layer.

Does LAYMRG delete the original layer?
Yes, AutoCAD typically removes the source layer after its objects are moved.

Can I merge a layer from an XREF?
No, externally referenced layers cannot be merged directly inside the host drawing.

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