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How Do You Move an Object in Front of Another in Illustrator?

Published in Illustrator Graphics 3 mins read

To move an object in front of another in Adobe Illustrator, you can use the "Arrange" options.

Methods to Bring Objects Forward

There are several ways to control the stacking order of objects in Illustrator:

  • Using the Arrange Menu:

    1. Select the object you want to move forward.

    2. Go to Object > Arrange.

    3. Choose one of the following options:

      • Bring to Front: Moves the selected object to the very top of the stack.
      • Bring Forward: Moves the selected object one level up in the stacking order.
      • Send to Back: Moves the selected object to the very bottom of the stack.
      • Send Backward: Moves the selected object one level down in the stacking order.

  • Using Keyboard Shortcuts:

    • Bring to Front: Shift + Ctrl + ] (Windows) or Shift + Command + ] (Mac)
    • Bring Forward: Ctrl + ] (Windows) or Command + ] (Mac)
    • Send to Back: Shift + Ctrl + [ (Windows) or Shift + Command + [ (Mac)
    • Send Backward: Ctrl + [ (Windows) or Command + [ (Mac)

  • Using the Layers Panel:

    1. Open the Layers panel (Window > Layers).
    2. Locate the object you want to move.
    3. Drag the object's layer up or down in the Layers panel to change its stacking order. Objects at the top of the list are in front, and objects at the bottom are in the back.

Example Scenario

Let's say you have three objects: a circle (Object A), a square (Object B), and a triangle (Object C). Currently, they are stacked in the order A, B, C (from back to front). If you want to bring the square (Object B) to the front, you would:

  1. Select Object B.
  2. Go to Object > Arrange > Bring to Front.

Now, the stacking order will be A, C, B, with the square on top.

Key Considerations

  • Layer Organization: Utilizing layers effectively can greatly simplify managing the stacking order of complex designs. Grouping related objects into layers makes it easier to select and rearrange them.
  • Understanding Stacking Order: Illustrator draws objects in the order they were created (or last arranged). Understanding this principle helps anticipate how objects will initially stack and how to manipulate them efficiently.
  • Clipping Masks: Be aware that clipping masks can affect the visibility and stacking order of objects.

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