In the Layers panel (Window > Layers), select the layer where you want to add objects. A pen icon appears next to the layer name.
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Add, move, or duplicate objects across layers
Last updated on
Jun 2, 2026
Learn how to use the Layers panel in Adobe InDesign to organize objects across different layers in your document.
Organizing objects across layers helps you manage complex layouts by separating content types, controlling visibility, and preventing accidental edits. You can add, move, and copy objects between layers at any time as your design evolves.
Select the disclosure arrow next to a layer name in the Layers panel to expand it and see its objects, including the current selection indicated by colored dots. To select an entire layer, hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and select the layer name.
Add new objects to a specific layer
Create objects using any drawing tool, the Type tool, or place graphics using File > Place.
All new objects are automatically added to the target layer.
Move objects to a different layer
When you move objects between layers, they retain all formatting, effects, and other attributes.
Use the Selection tool to select one or more objects on the page.
In the Layers panel, select the arrow beside the layer containing your selected objects.
Locate and drag the colored dot next to the selected objects to the target layer.
Copy objects to another layer
Use the Selection tool to select the objects you want to copy.
In the Layers panel, hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) and drag the colored dot from the current layer to the destination layer.
Note
To move objects to a locked layer, hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (macOS) while dragging the colored dot.
To copy objects to a locked layer, hold Ctrl + Alt (Windows) or Command + Option (macOS) while dragging the colored dot.
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