Z Order (Layers)

Imagine that the Work Window was three-dimensional, and that you could turn it so that its bottom edge was at eye level. Imagine that you could see the objects arranged on the page like puzzle pieces on a table. Some objects may appear to be placed one on top of another, and others may be overlapping.

This third dimension of page layout is known as “Z order.” If the X axis relates to width and the Y axis to height, then the Z order relates to depth. Although Z order cannot be seen and has no associated ruler, just as can you position objects along X and Y (horizontal and vertical) axes, you can also position them in the Z order.

Every object on the page is its own Z order or layer, positioned in back to front order, so that objects at the front will take precedence over objects behind. When you create a new object, it is assigned a Z order or layer superior to all other objects on the page.

Z order gives you the ability to superimpose images one on top of another, and this is obviously an important element in page design. However, you must be careful not to cover hyperlinked object, and when selecting an object underneath another you may need to hold down the Shift key.

SiteSpinner™ offers special techniques for manipulating objects in the Z order. The To Front, Forward, Back, and To Back buttons on the Align Bar can help you position objects exactly where you want them in the Z order. Also, you can select an object that is behind another object by pressing the Shift key while clicking the object you want to select. (This will not change the object’s Z order.)

Moving an Object to a Different Layer (Z Order)

1. Find the object on the page whose Z order (layer) you wish to change.
2. Click to select the object. (If the object is hidden behind another object, SHIFT+Click the object to select it.
3. To move the object to the first layer in the Z order (superior to all other objects on the page), click the To Front button: on the Align Bar

   OR

   To move the object to one layer forward in the Z order, click the Forward button:  on the Align Bar

   OR

   To move the object one layer backward in the Z order, click the Back button: on the Align Bar

   OR

   To move the object to the last layer in the Z order (inferior to all other objects on the page), click the To Back button: on the Align Bar.

Selecting an Object Hidden Behind Another Object

1. Find the object on the page that is hidden behind another object (using the Tab key or referring to the object list)
2. Press the Shift key.
3. Click your mouse on the object.

   The object is now selected. You may move it with your mouse pointer to a different position on the page, transform it in the Work Window, or double-click it to open the Object Editor dialog box to edit its properties.

   While the SHIFT key is held down, subsequent clicks will select the next object is the Z order. So even if you have several objects stacked you can reach them all.