How to Move Layers in Figma

Writer
Updated on: October 11, 2022

As we progress with our project in Figma, we will have many layers. They won’t necessarily be in order, as in any creative process. We tend to switch between one thing and another, drawing, writing, and so on. This can create a little chaos regarding the visual hierarchy and overlapping elements. In this tutorial, you will learn How to Move Layers in Figma.

Up and Down, Layers move.  

Open your Figma account and create a Design File. This file shows that nothing is happening yet, just a plain canvas with many options. What we are going to do next is to create a Frame, you can choose from the default options, or you can draw it simply by selecting the Frame option at the top toolbar. 

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Once you have the Frame draw a shape or place an object as you wish. We suggest having elements of different natures, such as shapes, text, objects, icons, and images. With each element, a Layer appears. Ideally, we must have many layers to understand how the hierarchy works when moving up and down.  

NOTE: You don’t need to create a frame necessarily. Layers will appear as long as you place elements on the canvas.

Now that you have several Layers at the Layer’s panel choose which one you prefer, click on it, and move -or drag- the layer to the top of the panel. If you have overlapping elements, you will see that the layer you choose is now visually the first, and so on. 

And you are done! This way, you can have more control over your design process and enjoy the experience of using Figma.

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