How to Select an Element Behind Another Element in Canva

Founder of CanvaTemplates.com & Professional Graphic Designer

September 26, 2023

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When using Canva, it is common to have multiple elements stacked on top of each other. However, selecting an element that is behind another element can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, there are some simple tricks to select an element that’s behind another element in Canva.

One way to select an element behind another element in Canva is to select the top element of the element stack and then hold the Ctrl key. This will help you scroll through the elements of the stack with the Up and Down arrow keys. Another shortcut method is to select any element and then press the keyboard shortcut of Ctrl+Alt+[/]. This will select the next element in the stack. These shortcuts can save you time and frustration when working with multiple elements in Canva.

By knowing these simple tricks, you can easily select an element that’s behind another element in Canva. Whether you are designing a social media graphic or a flyer, these shortcuts can help you work more efficiently and effectively in Canva.

Understanding Canva’s Interface

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that allows users to create stunning designs with ease. In this section, we will explore the different components of Canva’s interface and how they work together to create a seamless design experience.

Canvas Area

The canvas area is where the user creates their design. It is the large white space in the center of the screen where users can drag and drop elements to create their design. The canvas area can be customized to fit the user’s needs, and it can be adjusted to any size.

Toolbars and Menus

Canva has a variety of toolbars and menus that allow users to customize their designs. The main toolbar is located on the left side of the screen, and it contains all the basic design tools such as text, shapes, and images. On the right side of the screen, there is a menu that allows users to adjust the properties of their design elements such as color, size, and position.

Layers Panel

The layers panel is located on the right side of the screen, and it displays all the elements that make up the design. The layers panel allows users to easily select and edit individual elements, and it also allows users to rearrange the order of the elements.

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Basics of Layering in Canva

What is Layering

In Canva, layering is the process of stacking elements on top of each other to create a design. Each element added to a design is placed on a separate layer, with the most recently added element being placed on top of the other layers. This allows for easy management and manipulation of individual elements, as well as the ability to control the order in which they appear.

Importance of Layering

Layering is an essential aspect of designing in Canva. It allows designers to easily select and manipulate individual elements, as well as control the order in which they appear in the design. Layering also allows for the creation of complex designs with multiple elements, without overwhelming the designer with a cluttered workspace.

By utilizing the layering feature in Canva, designers can create designs that are visually appealing and well-organized. This feature also allows for easy editing and modification of designs, as individual elements can be easily selected and modified without affecting the rest of the design.

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Selecting Elements in Canva

When designing in Canva, it’s common to have multiple elements layered on top of each other. Selecting the element you want to work with can be tricky if it’s behind another element. Fortunately, Canva provides several methods for selecting elements that are behind others.

Click and Drag

One way to select an element that’s behind another element is to click and drag. Click on the top element to select it, and then hold down the mouse button and drag the cursor to the side. This will move the top element out of the way, allowing you to select the element behind it.

Lasso Tool

Another method for selecting an element behind another element is to use the Lasso tool. Click on the Lasso tool in the toolbar, and then draw a circle around the elements you want to select. This will select all of the elements within the circle, including the ones that are behind others.

Layer Panel Selection

The Layer panel is another way to select elements that are behind others. Click on the Layer panel icon in the toolbar to open the panel. This will display a list of all the elements on the page, with the top element at the top of the list. Click on an element in the list to select it, even if it’s behind another element.

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Advanced Selection Techniques

Selecting Hidden Elements

Sometimes, you may need to select an element that is hidden behind another element. To do this, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+[/]. This will select the next element in the stack, even if it is hidden behind another element. Another shortcut method is to select the top element of the element stack and then hold the Ctrl key. This will allow you to scroll through the elements of the stack with the Up and Down arrow keys.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Canva has a number of keyboard shortcuts that can help you select and manipulate elements more quickly and efficiently. Here are some of the most useful shortcuts for selecting elements:

Ctrl+A (Windows) or Command+A (Mac) – Select all elements on the canvas
Ctrl+click (Windows) or Command+click (Mac) – Select multiple elements
Shift+click – Select a range of elements
Tab – Move between elements on the canvas
Shift+Tab – Move backwards between elements on the canvas
Ctrl+Alt+[/] – Select the next element in the stack, even if it is hidden behind another element
Ctrl+[/] – Move the selected element forward in the stack
Ctrl+]/] – Move the selected element backward in the stack

By using these keyboard shortcuts, you can speed up your workflow and select elements more precisely.

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Troubleshooting Selection Issues

If you are having trouble selecting an element that is behind another element in Canva, there are a few common problems that may be causing the issue. Fortunately, there are several solutions and workarounds that can help you overcome these problems.

Common Problems

One common problem that may cause selection issues in Canva is a slow performance. If Canva is running slowly, it may be difficult to select elements quickly and accurately. If you are experiencing slow performance, try closing other programs and tabs, clearing your browser cache, and checking your internet connection.

Another common problem is a locked or hidden layer. If an element is on a locked or hidden layer, you will not be able to select it. To check if an element is on a locked or hidden layer, go to the Layers panel and look for the element. If it is on a locked or hidden layer, unlock or unhide the layer to select the element.

Lastly, if the element is grouped with other elements, you may not be able to select it. To select a grouped element, you will need to ungroup it first.

Solutions and Workarounds

If you are experiencing slow performance in Canva, try reducing the size of your design, using a different browser, or upgrading your computer or internet connection. You can also try clearing your browser cache or disabling any browser extensions that may be slowing down Canva.

If an element is on a locked or hidden layer, unlock or unhide the layer to select the element. To unlock a layer, click on the lock icon next to the layer name. To unhide a layer, click on the eye icon next to the layer name.

If the element is grouped with other elements, you can ungroup it by selecting the element and clicking on the “Ungroup” button in the top toolbar. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+G to ungroup elements.

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