Canva Layers
Every object placed on a Canva page sits on its own layer. Layers stack like sheets of transparent paper, and their order controls what appears in front of what. This topic explains how the stack works and how to reorder it with confidence.
The Layer Stack on Screen
The layout guide below stacks three boxes to show how objects sit on top of each other, from the bottom layer to the top layer.
Reading the boxes from top to bottom mirrors the actual stacking order on the canvas. The text sits above the shape, and the shape sits above the photo, exactly as they layer on the page.
How the Stack Works
Objects added later sit above objects added earlier by default. A photo placed first stays near the bottom of the stack. Text typed after the photo lands on top of it, keeping the words visible and readable against the image behind them.
A Simple Way to Picture It
Picture a stack of clear plastic sheets on an overhead projector. The bottom sheet might hold a background color. The next sheet holds a photo. The top sheet holds text. Looking down through the stack, you see all three sheets combined into one image, exactly like a finished Canva page.
Layer Stack Example
| Position | Object | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Text Heading | Displays the main message clearly |
| Middle | Shape Overlay | Darkens the photo slightly for contrast |
| Bottom | Background Photo | Sets the visual scene for the design |
Reordering Layers
Right-click any object to open the layer menu. Choose "Bring Forward" to move it up one level in the stack. Choose "Send Backward" to move it down one level. "Bring to Front" and "Send to Back" jump an object straight to either end of the stack, skipping the levels in between.
Using the Position Panel
Click an object and open the Position menu in the toolbar. This panel lists the full layer order for the current page and lets you drag items into a new sequence, removing any guesswork about which right-click option applies to your situation.
Layer Menu Actions
| Action | Effect |
|---|---|
| Bring Forward | Moves the object up one level |
| Send Backward | Moves the object down one level |
| Bring to Front | Moves the object to the very top |
| Send to Back | Moves the object to the very bottom |
Grouping Layers
Select multiple objects by holding shift and clicking each one in turn. Right-click and choose "Group" to lock them together as a single unit. A grouped set moves, resizes, and reorders together, protecting a finished arrangement from accidental shifts while you edit nearby content.
Locking a Layer
Click the lock icon in the toolbar to freeze an object in its current position. A locked layer cannot move, resize, or delete until unlocked again. This feature protects a background image while you fine-tune text sitting above it.
A Practical Walkthrough
A designer builds a birthday card with a photo background, a semi-transparent pink shape for contrast, and a bold text greeting on top. She notices the text disappeared behind the photo after adding a new sticker. Right-clicking the text and choosing "Bring to Front" restores it to the top of the stack instantly.
Quick Recap
- Layers stack objects from bottom to top on every page
- Right-click menus and the Position panel both control layer order
- Grouping locks several objects together so they move as one unit
- Locking a layer protects it from accidental changes while editing nearby objects