Illustrator: Working with Layers

Work in Layers

Layers and Layer groups help you organize and manage your project items. You can use layers to perform tasks such as compositing multiple images, adding text to an image, or adding vector graphic shapes.

The Layers panel is usually located on the right side of the work area. It looks like two papers stacked. If it’s not visible, choose Window > Layers to open it.

Select the Layers tool. Each new document starts with a single layer named Layer 1.

To create a new layer, click the Create New Layer button at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Double-click the layer to rename to "Background"

Organizing layers:

To select a layer, click the layer in the Layers panel.
Drag a layer up or down in the Layers panel to change the order of layered objects in the document.
To hide individual objects, click the eye icon in the Layers panel to the left of the object name in the Layers panel.
To lock content, click the lock box.

Working with Artboards

Artboards are like pages for your document, but each page does not need to be the same size. If you are working with a single page or design, you don't need to make additional artboards. If you do need another page:

Select the artboards tool to see your artboards

Click the new artboard tool to make a new page

Select the artboard panel next to any artboard in the menu to adjust the dimensions of your artboard.

You can also use the artboard tool, on the left side of the window.

Continue to the next page:

Creating shapes

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