Ordering Objects (Z-order)

Inkscape » Editing Basics » Ordering Objects (Z-order)

The z-order determines the order in which objects are drawn on the canvas. Those object with high z-order are drawn last and therefor drawn on top of objects with lower z-order. The order is determined by the order that the objects are listed in the SVG file.

The yellow star has the highest z-order on the left but the lowest on the right.

Inkscape has a number of commands to change z-order. The commands are available from the Menu and via Keyboard Shortcuts. They are also available in the Tool Controls when the Select Tool is active.

Objecto → Raise (Page Up): Move selected object(s) up one step.
Objecto → Lower (Page Down): Move selected object(s) down one step.
Objecto → Raise to Top (Home): Move selected object(s) to top.
Objecto → Lower to Bottom (End): Move selected object(s) to bottom.

The XML Editor dialog can also be used to change z-order.


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