Change the stacking order of objects

Last updated on Oct 25, 2026

Learn how to control overlapping objects in Adobe Illustrator using drawing modes, the Layers panel, or Arrange commands.

Stacking order (also called painting order) determines how overlapping objects display in your artwork. Adobe Illustrator stacks objects in the order you create them, with the first object at the back and the most recent at the front. You can change this order at any time using drawing modes, the Layers panel, or Arrange commands.

This task covers all methods for reordering objects. Use drawing modes when creating new objects to control their initial placement. Use the Layers panel for visual drag-and-drop reordering or batch operations. Use Arrange commands for quick keyboard-driven adjustments. All methods work with objects on the same layer; objects on different layers follow the layer stacking order.

Understanding stacking order is essential when working with overlapping shapes, creating layered compositions, or building complex illustrations where certain elements must appear in front of or behind others.

Control stacking when creating objects

In the toolbar, select the drawing mode button in the lower-left corner, or press Shift + D to cycle through modes.

Select Draw Normal to place new objects on top of the selected layer.

Select Draw Behind to place new objects behind all artwork on the selected layer, or behind a selected object if one is active.

Create your object using any drawing tool.

The drawing mode remains active until you change it, so that you can create multiple objects with the same stacking behavior.

Control stacking using the Layers panel

Select Window > Layers.

In the Layers panel, locate the object or group you want to move, and expand layers as needed.

Drag the object name up or down in the panel and release when a black insertion mark appears at the desired position.

Tip

To reverse the order of multiple items, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while selecting item names in the Layers panel, then select Reverse Order from the panel menu. Items must be at the same level to reverse their order.

Control stacking using the Arrange commands

Using the Selection tool, select the object you want to move.

Select Object > Arrange and choose from the following options.

Select Bring to Front to move the object to the top position in its group or layer.

Select Send to Back to move the object to the bottom position in its group or layer.

Select Bring Forward to move the object one position toward the front.

Select Send Backward to move the object one position toward the back.

You can’t move paths, groups, or objects to the top position in the Layers panel. Only layers can occupy the beginning of the layer hierarchy. For complex artwork, organize objects into separate layers for better control. Learn more about working with layers and using drawing modes.

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