Canva is a creator’s dream come true. It is packed with thousands of templates and numerous editing techniques and add-ons, and to top it off, Canva has even incorporated layers into its Editor page.
Not only can layers give your creations a dimensional look, but they can also help to make adjustments to your designs easier than ever before.
In the guide below, you’ll learn exactly what layers are and how to use them in Canva for your next design.
What Are Layers in Canva?
Layers are separate elements withinCanva’s Editor pagethat are stacked on top of each other to create unique designs. Each layer is its own piece, so it can be altered individually without any effect on the other elements.
For example, if you have a picture of a cartoon dog, a text box, and an arrow pointing at the dog, there are three layers to the overall design. If you decide to add a background, that will create another layer.
Screenshot by Sam Wolfe; no attribution
However, adding a background may place the new layer in front of the other ones. This is where understanding layering andgetting the most out of Canvabecomes necessary.
Understanding the Position Tab
ThePositiontab, located in the toolbar above the canvas area, is where you’ll do the bulk of your editing when it comes to layers, but first, it’s important to understand the different components of the menu.
After clicking onPosition, the menu will appear to the left. You’ll see two tabs within the menu:ArrangeandLayers.
Arrangeallows you to move the layers forward and backward. It also gives you the option of repositioning the elements to specific points on the canvas, like Top or Center. If you want to get really specific with it, you may type in the pixels of where you want your elements to go.
Layersenable you to see all the layers you have in your design. If it has a six-dot icon to the right of it, it’s an element. If it has a diagonally-lined square to the left, it’s the background of the canvas.
Additionally, each layer has a three-dot icon if you hover your cursor over the top right corner of the layer. This icon will open several editing options for that specific layer.
Arranging Layers in Canva
There are a few different ways to arrange layers. The easiest is to have yourLayerstab open underPositionand manually move the layers to the position you want them in.
For example, in the example above, the square shape was selected, but the layer is covering the dog. If the layer gets moved to the bottom between the background layer and the dog layer, it will go behind the dog. From there, the shape can be edited to fit the rest of the elements.
You also have the option of going to theArrangetab. After the shape element is selected, click theBackwardbutton until the element is behind the dog. You can also selectTo Backsince you know the shape element is going to the very back.
Grouping Your Layers
Grouping your layers just means that you’re turning multiple layers into one complete layer.
The easiest way to do this is to click and drag your cursor on your canvas over the layers you want to group. You’ll notice boxes appearing on the layers. After that, editing options should appear above the layers. ClickGroup, and you’ll see all your elements merge together into one layer.
Locking Layers in Canva
Locking your layers, whether they are grouped or ungrouped, is making sure they are permanently secure on the canvas. You can do this with any element, whether a group of them or just one.
To lock your layers, click and drag your cursor over the layers. The edit options will appear. Click theMorethree-dot icon and thenLock.
Use Layers to Help Your Next Canva Design Stand Out
Layering is a great tool that can really help make your projects go from dull to outstanding because of the depth it gives the design. The best part is that Canva makes using layers incredibly easy and functional, whether you’re putting together a brochure or adding fun components to your next social media post.
Try layering some of the elements available on Canva to see what kind of multidimensional look you may come up with for your next design.
