Adding and removing layers

Using the Layers panel, you can add new layers, delete unwanted layers, and duplicate existing layers and objects.

When you create a new layer, a blank layer is inserted above the currently selected layer. The new layer becomes the active layer and is highlighted in the Layers panel. When you delete a layer, the layer above it becomes the active layer.

Creating a duplicate layer adds a new layer that contains the same objects as the currently selected one. Duplicated objects retain the opacity and blending mode of the objects from which they were copied. You can make changes to the duplicated objects without affecting the originals.

To add a layer, do one of the following:

• Click the New/Duplicate Layer button with no layer selected.
• Select Edit > Insert > Layer.
• Select New Layer from the Layers panel Options menu, and click OK.

To delete a layer, do one of the following:

• Drag the layer to the trash can icon in the Layers panel.
• Select the layer and click the trash can icon in the Layers panel.

To duplicate a layer, do one of the following:

• Drag a layer to the New/Duplicate Layer button.
• Select a layer and select Duplicate Layer from the Layers panel Options menu. Then select the number of duplicate layers to insert and where to place them in the stacking order:

  At the Top places the new layer or layers at the top of the Layers panel. The Web Layer is always the top layer, so selecting At the Top places the duplicate layer below the Web Layer.

  Before Current Layer places the new layer or layers above the selected layer.

  After Current Layer places the new layer or layers below the selected layer.

  At the Bottom places the new layer or layers at the bottom of the Layers panel.

To duplicate an object:

• Alt-drag (Windows) or Option-drag (Macintosh) the object to the desired location.