Layer, group, and lock objects

You can use layering to create the appearance of depth, for example, or to layer objects behind text in a text box.

To layer objects behind body text, you can add a background object to the page, then position it behind the text.

1. Select the object you want to move.

2. Click the Arrange tab at the top of the sidebar on the right.

   If you don’t see the sidebar, or it doesn’t have an Arrange tab, click in the toolbar.

3. Do one of the following:

   • Move the object up or down one layer: Click Forward, or click Backward.

   • Move an object to the very top or bottom of the stack: Click Front, or click Back.

You can open the Arrange controls in a separate window that you can move anywhere. Choose View > Show Arrange Tools (from the View menu at the top of your screen). You can also add buttons to the toolbar for Forward, Backward, Front, and Back.

1. Shift-click to select multiple objects.

2. Click the Arrange tab at the top of the sidebar on the right.

   If you don’t see the sidebar, or it doesn’t have an Arrange tab, click in the toolbar.

3. Click Group or Ungroup.

   You can also choose Arrange > Group or Arrange > Ungroup (from the Arrange menu at the top of your screen).

1. Select one or more objects to lock.

2. Click the Arrange tab at the top of the sidebar on the right.

   If you don’t see the sidebar, or it doesn’t have an Arrange tab, click in the toolbar.

3. Click Lock (near the bottom of the sidebar).

   If the Lock button is dimmed, make sure each object is anchored to the page and not to text. To change anchoring for an object, select the object then click “Stay on Page” near the top of the sidebar.

   

To unlock an object, select it, then click Unlock in the Arrange tab of the sidebar on the right. Or choose Arrange > Unlock (from the Arrange menu at the top of your screen).