In the Layers panel, select the layer or group you want to move.
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Reorder and move layers
Last updated on
Sep 28, 2026
Change the layer stacking order in the Layers panel or use the Move tool to reposition content on the canvas.
You can organize layers by changing their stacking order in the Layers panel or moving their content in the document. You can apply these techniques to regular layers and layer groups.
The background layer stays locked at the bottom unless you convert it to a regular layer. For more control over layer positioning and protection, you can Lock layers to prevent changes.
Change the layer stacking order
Drag the layer or group up or down until a highlighted line appears at your desired position.
Release to place the layer in the new position.
Use the menu command
Select the layer or group.
Choose Layer > Arrange and select a command:
- Bring to Front - Moves the layer to the top of the stack.
- Bring Forward - Moves the layer up one position.
- Send Backward - Moves the layer down one position.
- Send to Back - Moves the layer to the bottom (or just above the background layer).
- Reverse - Reverses the order of multiple selected layers
Note
If your layer is in a group, the Arrange commands apply only within that group.
Move a layer into a group
Drag a layer to the group folder icon in the Layers panel.
Release when the group folder is highlighted.
If the group is collapsed, the layer is placed at the top of the group.
Reposition layer content in the document
In the Layers panel, select one or more layers containing the content you want to move.
Select the Move tool from the toolbar or press V.
Drag any object on the selected layers to a new position in the document window.
All content on the selected layers moves together.
To nudge layer content:
- Press an arrow key to move content 1 pixel.
- Press Shift + arrow key to move content 10 pixels
Tip
In the Move tool options bar, enable Auto Select and choose Layer to automatically select layers when their content is selected in the document. Choose Group to select entire layer groups. Shift-click to add layers to your selection.
Use Transform and rotate layers to understand more details about rotating layers.
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