Changing layer order

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The layer order determines how the layers in a document interact. When you create a new pixel-based layer, it appears on top of the canvas (when the canvas is selected) or on top of the selected layer. New Watercolor, Liquid Ink, and dynamic layers are always created on top of existing layers. Depending on its transparency, masking, and compositing characteristics, the layer will obscure or otherwise affect the underlying layers.

A document’s layer order is reflected in the Layers panel. The bottom layer is always the canvas.

In this example, the picture of the brush is contained in a layer. The brush layer is displayed in the top position (left) and in the bottom position (right).

To change the order of layers

You can also change the order of layers by choosing the Layer Adjuster tool in the toolbox, and performing a task from the following table.

 

To	Do the following
Move a layer to the bottom	Do one of the following: • On the property bar, click the Order flyout button , and choose Move to Bottom . • Right-click the layer in the Layers panel, and choose Move to Bottom.
Move a layer to the top	Do one of the following: • On the property bar, click the Order flyout button , and choose Move to Top . • Right-click the layer in the Layers panel, and choose Move to Top.
Move a layer down one	On the property bar, click the Order flyout button , and choose Move Down One Layer .
Move a layer up one	On the property bar, click the Order flyout button , and choose Move Up One Layer .

When you have nonoverlapping layers in a document, the Move Up One Layer and Move Down One Layer commands may move the selected layer past multiple layers. This is because nonoverlapping layers are considered to be at the same level. The Move Up One Layer and Move Down One Layer commands move the selected layer (or layers) above or below the next level. To move a layer to a position between nonoverlapping layers, drag it in the Layers panel.