Layer, group, and lock objects

You can overlap objects and then move them individually higher (forward) or lower (backward) in the stack.

You can group multiple objects so that you can move, resize, and rotate them as a single unit. To avoid inadvertently moving, modifying, or deleting an object, you can lock it.

Tip: You use the controls in the Arrange pane of the Format inspector to layer, group, and lock objects. You can open the Arrange pane in a separate window that you can move anywhere. Choose View > Show Arrange Tools (from the View menu at the top of your computer screen).

Rearrange layered objects

You can use layering to create the appearance of depth, for example, or to layer objects behind text in a text box.

To layer objects behind body text, you can add a master object to the page, then position it behind the text.

Select the object you want to move.
In the Arrange pane of the Format inspector, do one of the following:
- Move the object up or down one layer: Click Forward, or click Backward.
- Move an object to the very top or bottom of the stack: Click Front, or click Back.

You can open the Arrange pane in a separate window that you can move anywhere. Choose View > Show Arrange Tools (from the View menu at the top of your computer screen). You can also add buttons to the toolbar for Forward, Backward, Front, and Back.

Group and ungroup objects

Shift-click to select multiple objects.
In the Arrange pane of the Format inspector, click Group (or choose Arrange > Group from the Arrange menu at the top of your computer screen).

To ungroup an object, select it, then click Ungroup or choose Arrange > Ungroup.

Tip: You can Control-click objects, then choose Group or Ungroup from the shortcut menu. You can also add these buttons to the toolbar: Group and Ungroup.

Lock and unlock objects

Select one or more object to locks.
In the Arrange pane of the Format inspector, click Lock (near the bottom of the pane).
If the Lock button is dimmed, make sure each object is anchored to the page and not to text. To change anchoring for an object, select it then click “Stay on Page” at the top of the Arrange pane.

To unlock an object, select it, then click Unlock in the Arrange pane of the Format inspector, or choose Arrange > Unlock (from the Arrange menu at the top of your computer screen).

Tip: You can add buttons to the toolbar to lock and unlock objects.

If you can’t select an object, it may be a master object placed on the page background. To edit it, you need to first make it selectable.