How do I navigate layers of a design?

How to select a layer

You have two easy ways to select a layer:

1) Click the object on the canvas

• Click any element (text, rectangle, image, etc.) directly on the canvas.
• That element becomes the active layer, and its controls appear in the editor.

2) Click the layer name in the Layers panel

• In the Layers panel list, click a layer name (example: “Text Layer” or "Rect Layer" (rectangle), or "Image Layer").
• ExpenseFast will highlight that layer on the canvas and make it the active selection.

Tip: This is the best way to select items that are behind other objects or hard to click.

Understanding layer order

• The Layers panel list represents the stack order.
• Items closer to the “top/front” are displayed in front of items below them.
• If text is hidden behind a shape, you typically need to bring the text layer forward (or send the shape layer back).

Layer actions (what each button does)

With a layer selected, you can use these actions:

Send layer to front — Moves the selected layer all the way to the top of the stack (in front of everything).

Send layer to back — Moves the selected layer all the way to the bottom of the stack (behind everything).

Layer forward — Moves the layer up one step (in front of the next layer only).

Layer back — Moves the layer down one step (behind the next layer only).

Duplicate layer — Creates an exact copy of the selected layer.

• Great for repeating text blocks, duplicating icons, or making multiple lines/boxes quickly.

Lock (pin) layer — Locks the layer so it can’t be moved or edited accidentally.

• Perfect for backgrounds, borders, and “base” template elements you don’t want to shift.

Delete layer — Removes the selected layer from the design.

Common use cases

“My text is hidden behind a box”

1. Click the text (or select it in the Layers panel)
2. Choose Send to front (or Layer forward) until it’s visible

“I can’t click the logo because something is on top of it”

1. Find the logo in the Layers panel
2. Click its layer name to select it
3. Move it forward/back as needed

“I want identical rows/fields”

1. Select the layer (or group of layers one at a time)
2. Click Duplicate
3. Move the duplicate into position

Best practices

• Lock background elements early to prevent accidental changes.
• Use Layer forward/back for fine adjustments; use Send to front/back for big fixes.