Layer, group, and lock objects

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

You can group multiple objects so that you can move, resize, or rotate them as a single unit.

To avoid inadvertently moving, modifying, or deleting an object, you can lock it.

Rearrange layered objects

  1. Select an object.

  2. In the Arrange pane of the Format inspector, do one of the following:

    • Move the object up or down one layer: Click Forward or Backward.

    • Move the object to the very top or bottom of the stack: Click Front or Back.

Group and ungroup objects

  1. Shift-click to select multiple objects.

  2. 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).

    If Group is dimmed, make sure each object is anchored to the page and not to the text.

To ungroup an object, select it then choose Arrange > Ungroup. If Ungroup is dimmed, make sure the object isn’t locked.

Tip: You can also Control-click objects and choose Group or Ungroup from the shortcut menu.

Lock and unlock objects

  1. Select one or more objects.

  2. In the Arrange pane of the Format inspector, click Lock (or choose Arrange > Lock from the Arrange menu at the top of your computer screen).

    Locked objects showing dimmed selection handles

To unlock an object, select it, then click Unlock in the Arrange pane of the Format inspector (or choose Arrange > Unlock).