Layers, groups, and locks
Last updated: September 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Control stacking and group objects that should move together.
Grouping does not merge objects into one vector shape. Use the Pathfinder lesson for shape combinations.
Follow these steps
- 1
Change stacking order
EditorLayers
Find the object in Layers and drag to reorder it. Alternatively, right-click and use Bring Forward, Send Backward, Bring to Front, or Send to Back. Moving one step differs from moving to an extreme.
- 2
Create a group
LayersGroup
Select objects and choose Group in Layers or the context menu, or press Cmd/Ctrl+G. Expand the group row to inspect members. Use its pencil icon to rename, then Enter or the check icon to save; Esc cancels.
- 3
Ungroup
LayersUngroup
Select the group and choose Ungroup. Its objects remain on the page and can be edited separately. This does not release a mask or reverse a Pathfinder operation.
- 4
Distinguish visibility and locking
EditorLayers
Use the eye control to hide or show an object and the lock to prevent accidental edits. Hiding does not delete it. Unlock it in the same list before editing. Keep objects that must appear in the publication visible.
Result
Check stacking, group membership, and visibility. Set accessible reading order separately.