Delete layers

Last updated on Jan. 28, 2026

Learn how to remove unwanted layers and reduce your artwork size.

Try it in the app
Use the Layers panel to lock, hide, and delete objects in a few simple steps.

Select Window > Layers to open the Layers panel.

Select any layer and then select the delete icon on the lower-left side of the Layers panel, or press Backspace (Windows) or Delete (macOS) to remove it.

Illustrator interface showing a tiger illustration with the Layers panel open, highlighting the Delete Layer icon to remove a selected layer. — Use the Delete icon from the Layers panel to remove layers.

Note

The delete icon is unavailable if your document has only one layer.

Hide or show layers

Learn

Learn with step-by-step video tutorials and hands-on guidance right in the app.

Community

Join discussions, find answers, learn from experts, and share your knowledge.

Adobe Home

Access your favorite Creative Cloud apps, services, file management, and more.