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Chapter 8. Using Layers

In This Chapter

• Working with layers

• Using layers for a selection

• Changing the stacking order of your layer

• Moving and cloning objects to another layer

• Hiding and locking layers

This chapter shows you just how simple it is to use layers and how helpful layers can be when you're producing complex artwork. Layers are similar to clear pages stacked on top of your artwork: You can place content (text, shapes, and so on) on a layer, lift up a layer, remove a layer, hide and show layers, or lock a layer so that you can't edit the content on it. Layers are an incredible feature that can help you

• Organize the painting (stacking) order of objects.

• Activate objects that would otherwise be difficult to select with the Selection or Direct Selection tool.

• Lock items that you don't want to reposition or change.

• Hide items until you need them.

• Repurpose objects for artwork variations. For example, business cards use the same logo and company address, but the name and contact information change for each person. In this case, placing the logo and company address on one layer and the person's name and contact information on another layer makes it easy to create a new business card by just changing the name of the person.

Many Illustrator users don't take advantage of layers. Maybe these users don't understand the basic functions of layers, or maybe they think that layers are much more complicated than they really are. By reading this chapter, you'll be able to take advantage of layers ...