Illustrator's layers allow you to simplify your work. With layers, you can modify, edit, hide or delete one layer of content while the other layers remain intact. These instructions apply to Adobe Illustrator 8. Procedures for other versions may vary.
Open the Layers palette by choosing Show Layers from the Window menu. The palette appears, listing the layers in a file starting with the uppermost.
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Click on the name of the layer you want to work on. This layer becomes current.
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Know that you can create a new layer by clicking on the layer icon on the bottom of the Layers palette. Alternatively, click on the small arrow at the upper right corner of the Layers palette. A menu appears. Click on New Layer or Duplicate Layer. The layer appears named "Layer 2" or "Layer 3" and so on.
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Understand that you can name the layer by clicking on the arrow at the upper right corner of the palette. Select Options for Layer 2. A pop-up window appears. Enter the name you want to use, along with any other options you want to incorporate. Click OK.
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Realize that you can delete a layer by selecting it, then clicking on the trash can icon at the bottom of the Layers palette.
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Know that you can make a layer invisible by clicking on the eye icon that appears on the left side of each layer. To restore visibility, click on the space where the eye icon used to be.
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Understand that you can move objects between layers by cutting and pasting, or you can select the object and drag it to the Layers palette. Release it on the layer that you want to use.
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Know that you can relocate layers by clicking on the layer to be moved and dragging it to its new location in the Layers palette.
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Realize that when you're finished, you can flatten your artwork into one layer by selecting the layer that you want to use and choosing Flatten Artwork from the Layers palette.
Tips & Warnings
The Layers palette uses a pen icon to indicate the current layer that you're using. Any work you do will appear on the current layer. Check to see which layer is current before you begin an operation.
Layers add to the size of a file. The more layers, the more memory will be needed while you're working.
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