# Sketches will not merge if on the same layer

**URL:** <https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614>\
**Category:** Modeling Questions\
**Created:** [April 30, 2024, 3:40pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614 "2024-04-30T15:40:12Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 17\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JCB2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b2d939/32.png) [@JCB2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/JCB2020)\
**Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:40pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/1 "2024-04-30T15:40:12Z")

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Since downloading the new version with parametric modeling I can no longer get sketches to merge when putting them on the same layer. See the attached screen shot. In the old version if I wanted the three sketches to merge into one all I had to do was put them all on the same layer. In the screen shot below there would only be one sketch showing on the left pane in the old version. I never had this issue with the old version.

 ![Screenshot 2024-04-30 112119](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/e/6/e652144e8e002117d02abe4acad655eb6f55b71e.png)

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**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [April 30, 2024, 3:44pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/2 "2024-04-30T15:44:26Z")

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That’s right. This behaviour is by design in new version.

To get one sketch instead of three just open previous sketch before drawing.

Or if you trying to project bodies on sketch then again open it before projecting.

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**Author:** ![JCB2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b2d939/32.png) [@JCB2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/JCB2020)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 3:36pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/3 "2024-05-01T15:36:31Z")

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Thanks for the help but I don’t understand what you mean. Could anyone else elaborate on this. I created a new project with only 2 lines and this problem is driving me crazy.

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**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 3:49pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/4 "2024-05-01T15:49:34Z")

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> [@JCB2020](#):
>
> I don’t understand what you mean

I gave you a couple of variants because you didn’t mention what exactly you doing and what result you’re expecting. Would much easier for all if you just show us on a video what you’re doing and what result you want to achieve.

> [@JCB2020](#):
>
> In the screen shot below there would only be one sketch showing on the left pane in the old version.

This screenshot not carrying any useful information.

> [@JCB2020](#):
>
> I can no longer get sketches to merge when putting them on the same layer.

New version not merging sketches together when they on the same layer. You can’t do anything about that. But you can find another way how to achieve the same result. I make a couple of examples above.

> [@JCB2020](#):
>
> Could anyone else elaborate on this.

If you think my help useless for you then ok. You can wait for someone else answer.

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**Author:** ![JCB2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b2d939/32.png) [@JCB2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/JCB2020)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/5 "2024-05-01T16:08:46Z")

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> [@Xdrakosha](#):
>
> If you think my help useless for you then ok. You can wait for someone else answer.

I never said your help was useless. I appreciate any advice given. I just asked if someone else could maybe give another example or word it differently for better comprehension on my end.

I don’t have the ability to make a video at the present time but here are a few screenshots better showing my issue.

I want to extrude the shape that is a combination of sketches 01 and 03. When I select sketch 01 only the right half is selected. When I select sketch 03 only the left half is selected. When I select both sketches from the item pane it only gives me the option to move the combined sketches.

 ![Screenshot 2024-05-01 115838](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/2/4/2405cadd3905970ce936b1b947524c324c130987.jpeg)  
 ![Screenshot 2024-05-01 115920](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/0/7/07a057b814cf868f9ff22fcf3d5d9615d3f0c430.jpeg)

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**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 4:12pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/6 "2024-05-01T16:12:48Z")

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> [@JCB2020](#):
>
> I want to extrude the shape that is a combination of sketches 01 and 03. When I select sketch 01 only the right half is selected. When I select sketch 03 only the left half is selected. When I select both sketches from the item pane it only gives me the option to move the combined sketches.

Ok. So I have question: why did you draw two sketches instead of one?  
I will recreate you situation and make a video with variant how you can deal with it.

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**Author:** ![JCB2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b2d939/32.png) [@JCB2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/JCB2020)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 4:18pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/7 "2024-05-01T16:18:30Z")

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> [@Xdrakosha](#):
>
> Ok. So I have question: why did you draw two sketches instead of one?

I have no idea how I created two separate sketches. I did not realize I had done so until it was “too late”. I am not sure what I did to start making a 2nd sketch.

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**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 4:32pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/8 "2024-05-01T16:32:44Z")

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> [@JCB2020](#):
>
> I have no idea how I created two separate sketches. I did not realize I had done so until it was “too late”. I am not sure what I did to start making a 2nd sketch.

Can you send me this project to [shapr3d@tsbl.net](mailto:shapr3d@tsbl.net). Just want to understand how exactly you’ve done that.

But you alway should watch which sketch you’re in right now. If you exit from sketch and want to continue edit it then select it from item menu instead of pressing “create sketch button”.

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**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 5:17pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/9 "2024-05-01T17:17:20Z")

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Here is example how to combine two sketches if it is `to late` as you said 🙂

But usually you just have to be aware which sketch you’re editing.

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**Author:** ![ShaunaB1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/58f4c7/32.png) [@ShaunaB1](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/ShaunaB1)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 6:24pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/10 "2024-05-01T18:24:25Z")

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It seems like the new version of your parametric modeling software might have changed how layer merging works. Check for an option or setting that allows merging of sketches, or contact customers support for help with this feature. They should be able to guide you on how to merge sketches in the updated software. [Doglikesbest](https://www.doglikesbest.com/)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [May 1, 2024, 11:56pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/11 "2024-05-01T23:56:28Z")

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This is how you make two separate sketches instead of one, I believe.

  
In the end I showing how you should act to not to get in that situation.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JCB2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b2d939/32.png) [@JCB2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/JCB2020)\
**Post date:** [May 2, 2024, 3:14pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/12 "2024-05-02T15:14:20Z")

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> [@Xdrakosha](#):
>
> Here is example how to combine two sketches if it is `to late` as you said 🙂

AWESOME! Thanks so much for the help! Sorry for the delay in my reply but this is my first time being online since yesterday.

The attached screenshot just popped up on my Facebook feed a few minutes ago.

 ![20240502_150943000_iOS](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/uploads/shapr3d/original/3X/f/1/f1279195a24ca656da514ac20f9a3f578fb3c45d.jpeg)

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![JCB2020](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b2d939/32.png) [@JCB2020](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/JCB2020)\
**Post date:** [May 2, 2024, 3:15pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/13 "2024-05-02T15:15:41Z")

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> [@Xdrakosha](#):
>
> This is how you make two separate sketches instead of one, I believe.

Yeah, I apparently deselected the sketch I was working on which created a 2nd sketch when I started sketching again.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Xdrakosha](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/xdrakosha/32/24881_2.png) [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)\
**Post date:** [May 2, 2024, 5:01pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/14 "2024-05-02T17:01:14Z")

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The problem is it’s still combine sketches in some cases then you hit “Sketch (+)” button.  
So I recommend always explicitly select needed sketch before continue working on it. That will save you from this kind of troubles.

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**Author:** ![hippopotamus](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/hippopotamus/32/27332_2.png) [@hippopotamus](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/hippopotamus)\
**Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 4:50am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/15 "2024-07-02T04:50:32Z")

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I’m also having the same infuriating issue as @Xdrakosha. I create a sketch and forget about the new update, leaving me with two obsolete sketches and no way to fix them. I understand this may have been a desirable feature, but I can’t go back and don’t want to redo sometimes 40 minutes of work.

The beta sketch project update should not have been released in this irreversible version. How long until there is an option to toggle these features on or off?

I apologize for coming off rude. This feature is nearly making me rage quit.

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**Author:** ![Istvan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex002/user_avatar/discourse.shapr3d.com/istvan/32/23668_2.png) [@Istvan](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Istvan)\
**Post date:** [July 2, 2024, 4:56am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/16 "2024-07-02T04:56:12Z")

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You can use the project tool, to project one sketch into another, and merge them.

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**Author:** ![alpine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@alpine](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/alpine)\
**Post date:** [August 25, 2024, 3:57pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/sketches-will-not-merge-if-on-the-same-layer/31614/17 "2024-08-25T15:57:22Z")

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Users SHOULD have the ability to easily merge sketches, such as by selecting both and then (right-clicking, for example) selecting MERGE. The inability to do this is simply exasperating. For example, in my case I had two sketches on what should have been the same plane, but Shapr3D won’t permit me to connect a line from the active sketch to the inactive one. Attempting to circumvent this problem, I created another plane and projected both sketches onto it, but the same problem continues: they exist as separate sketches!

This continues a recent onerous trend with Shapr3D: of breaking things that weren’t broken and making things that worked fine needlessly more complex.

If you want other examples, I would be happy to document them if you are willing to consider having Shapr3D’s top-down approach (changes imposed on us, whether we like it or not) replaced by feedback from users before implementing potentially vexatious changes. If you do that, it’s important not to solicit feedback only from your yes-men cheerleaders but also critics like me who love some things about Shapr3D yet too often wonder what on earth you were thinking by instituting changes that impair usability. _We should all be cheerleaders._