Using layers and stacking

Here we show you how to use layers and stack objects:

More about layers

You may remember that all objects are placed on layers by default and that you can move objects from one layer to another.

Top layer

By default this layer contains all objects that are made using the Connector, Pen, Highlighter and Magic Ink tools, including annotations created with the Pen Modifier.  Such objects display on top of any other objects placed on the lower layers.

Middle layer

By default, this layer contains images, shapes and text objects.

Recognised annotations are automatically converted to text objects and placed on the middle layer..

These objects are displayed below (or underneath) any object placed on the top layer but are displayed above (or over) the top of any object placed on the bottom layer.

Bottom layer

Initially empty, the bottom layer can contain connectors and any object which is physically placed on it. For details, see Move an object to another layer below.

Background layer

The background layer consists of three elements:

  • Background page colour

  • Background image (optional)

  • Grid (optional)

In addition, you can place any other objects on the background layer, whereupon they will become locked on the background and will appear below all objects on the other layers.

If the background layer contains a background image, the way the image fills the page is dictated by its Background Fit property. For details, see Reference > Properties >  Miscellaneous properties.

The layers are completely separate from each other. In other words, you can replace the background without affecting images or annotations on other layers. Or you can annotate over your photographs and background without affecting other layers.

Move an object to another layer

  1. Right-click on the object.

  2. From the Popup Menu select Reorder > To Top Layer To Middle Layer or To Bottom Layer This allows you to cover, for example, an annotation object with an image object.  

Magic Ink annotations will hide any 'top layer' objects (or parts of objects) that the Magic Ink crosses over ( including annotations and images), allowing you to see through to the layers beneath.

Use the appropriate Clear   Tool to delete objects from each layer.

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Stack objects

All objects are allocated a position in the stack according to the order in which they are added to the page. Each successive object is placed on top of the preceding one within its own layer. Think of it as a pack of playing cards, where you must take a card out of the pack and place it on top in order to fully view it. The most recently placed object on a page is on top of the stack.

The cards in the example were added in the following order:

  • Blue 1

  • Yellow 2

  • Red 3

The following rules apply:

  • The blue card will display under the yellow and red cards.

  • The yellow card will display on top of the blue card, but will be under the red card.

  • The red card will display on top of the yellow and blue cards.

These rules apply in each layer. Not only is there a stacking order in terms of the layers, you also need to consider the stacking order within each layer.

Change the stacking order

You can change the stacking order by sending an object to another place in the stack.

The order of the cards in the example has changed. The Red 3 is now at the bottom of the stack.

Here we show you two ways to change the stacking order.

Change one step

  1. Select the object.

  2. From the Context Menu select Send Backwards or Bring Forwards The object moves one step up or down in the stacking order.

  3. Repeat as necessary.

Go all the way

  1. Select the object.

  2. From the Edit Menu, select Reorder > Bring to Front or Send to Back. This will move the object to the front or back of the stack accordingly.

You can also select multiple objects to send the selection to the front or back. Each object will retain its stacking position in relation to the other objects.

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