# Reducing Drawing Layers with the Optimize Command

When you have two overlapping shapes with the same color characteristics (color value and transparency), you can use the Optimize command to reduce the number of layers in the drawing, which reduces the number of redundant points and the file size. Toon Boom Studio automatically performs this function when you export a Macromedia® Flash movie.

Optimize will change the drawing objects only if merging the selected objects will not change the appearance of the final image.

For example, if you have selected a number of partially transparent objects, which you layered to create an additive color effect, the selected transparent drawing objects will not be merged. This is because merging the transparent drawing objects will cause them to loose the effect of the layered transparent colors.

To reduce drawing layers with the Optimize command:

1. Select View > Show Strokes to display the lines that compose your drawing objects.

2. Click the Select tool and click the brush strokes you want to convert. To select multiple brush strokes, press [Shift] and click the brush strokes.

3. Select Tools > Optimize.

As soon as you activate the command, Toon Boom Studio merges all of the selected objects that it can, while preserving the look of the drawing.

See Also
Converting Brush Strokes to Pencil Lines
Reducing Drawing Layers with the Flatten Command
Removing Points with the Smooth Command
Merging Layers Using Draw Top Layer
Protecting Drawings