Each shape or object has an order value that determines whether it appears "on top of" or "behind" other objects. For example, in the figure below the square is clearly "on top of" the circle. Note, however, that it is not evident what the relative order of the triangle is. It might be above the square, below the circle, or between the two.
To change stacking order, select the object or shape then do one of the following:
- Right-click and choose from the Order menu.
- Click the Draw menu on the Drawing toolbar and choose from the Order menu.
You can move an object or shape one level "up" or "down" in the order by choosing Bring Forward or Send Backward.
When there are multiple objects, you may not see the effect of the command until you use it several times, because two objects may look like they are on top of each other, but in actuality there are other objects that are between them. For example, if you selected the square in the figure above and chose Send Backward, it may not appear behind the circle. Perhaps the triangle was between the square and the circle, so choosing Send Backward placed the square behind the triangle, an effect that would not make a visible change to the drawing. Choosing Send Backward again, however, would put the square behind the circle.
You can move an object on top of all other objects, or place it behind all other objects, by choosing Bring to Front or Send to Back.
