Wise designers know that using layers in your Illustrator artwork makes life a lot easier. Keeping objects on separate layers allows you to lock objects, turn visibilty on/off, and makes selecting and editing an individual object fast and uncomplicated. Here is a simple tip on moving objects from one layer to another using the Layers Palette.

We will begin with the numbered shapes seen below.

These three shapes were drawn onto one layer, as indicated in the Layers Palette below. We want to give each of the stars its own layer, so we will need to create two more layers. To create a new layer, click on the Create New Layer icon at the buttom of the palette window.

Illustrator will automatically name layers by number, as shown below. It is a very good idea to name your layers, using a brief description of what is contained in each layer. This will make finding and editing individual pieces of your design quick and easy. Naming your layers becomes even more important if the artwork is a collaborative effort and more than one artist will be working with the file.

To name a layer simply double click on the layer name in the Layers Pallete and a Layer Options window will pop up. Here you will type in your new layer name. (You can also choose a layer selection color and turn on/off several other tools.) For the purpose of this tutorial, we are only concerned with replacing the layer name.

I have named my three layers according to the shape I want be contained in each layer, but if you look closely you can see that all three stars are still on layer #1. Now I want to move shape #2 and shape #3 to thier corresponding layers.

First, select shape #2 using the selection tool. In the Layers Palette, you will notice that the star #1 layer is highlighted, indicating the layer in which the currently selected item appears. You will also see a small box (blue, in this case) to the very right of the layer information.

With your cursor, drag and drop the small blue box into the star #2 layer. Star #2 should now be the highlighted layer, indicating that the selected shape is contained in the new layer.

Now try selecting shape #2 AND shape #3 using the selection tool. You will notice that, because they are on two different layers, the selection guides around each shape is a different color. In the Layers Palette, the color of the little box to the right corresponds to the selected object that is contained in that layer. In this case, shape #2 has red selection guides indicating it is part of the layer with the red box while shape #3 has blue selection guides indicating it is part of the layer with the blue box. I want to move shape #3 up to the star #3 layer, so I simply drag and drop that little blue box up to the desired layer.

Now you can see that shape #3 is on layer #3 and is now a part of the green layer, indicated by the green selection guides and small green box.

VIOLA! Each shape has its own layer. And all by simply dragging and dropping.

Do yourself a favor. Make a habit of using layers and developing a sensible layer naming system. It will make your life and that of your collaborative colleagues so much more efficient. And now you have a quick and easy was to use the powerful organizational tool that is LAYERS.