How to merge two objects within a unique layer?

Question

I'm using Adobe Illustrator CS6.

I've created a Cross using tw rectangles:

It appairs like a two layers:

but I'd like to merge within a single one, so I can easily manage and move across others layers. How can I do it? Tried to select two layers, Layer menu and "Merge selected", but its grayed out, and I can't click.

Answer 1

• In Illustrator different objects will always be in different sub-layers with the figure type name.
  • Grouping shapes you will get a unique sub-layer at the working layer with the group composed by two different sub-layers, each one with each shape.
  • Transforming shapes in a Compound Shape, you get a unique sub-layer at the working layer with the compound shape content, composed by two different sub-layers, each one with each shape.
  • Applying Unite Pathfinder to shapes, you get a unique sub-layer at the working layer, but you loose each independent shape.