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Design a diagram
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Design a diagram

Manage shapes by adding layers

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Add layers to your Visio drawing to manage objects and stay organized.

See which layers a shape is assigned to

  1. Select a shape.

  2. Select Home > Layers > Assign to Layer.

    The assigned layers are selected in the list.

Show or hide a layer

  1. Select Home > Layers > Layer Properties.

  2. Do one of the following.

    • To show a layer, select its Visible check box.

    • To hide a layer, clear its Visible check box.

      Note: Shapes are visible if any of the layers they’re assigned to are visible.

Assign shapes to layers

In some templates, certain shapes are assigned automatically to predefined layers.

  1. Select a shape.

  2. Select Home > Layers >Assign to Layer.

  3. Select the layers you want to assign the shape to, and select OK.

    Tip: Shapes can be assigned to more than one layer. Organize them in both broad and specific layers, depending on your needs.

Make a layer active

Shapes can be assigned to more than one layer. Organize them in both broad and specific layers, depending on your needs.

  • Select Home > Layers > Layer Properties.

  • For the layer you want to make active, select its Active check box.

Create a layer

  1. Select Home > Layers > Layer Properties.

  2. Select New.

  3. Type a name for the layer, and select OK.

Delete a layer

  1. If shapes are assigned to the layer, assign them to a different layer.

  2. Select Home > Layers > Layer Properties.

  3. Select the layer, and select Remove.

  4. Select Yes.

Want more?

Add a layer

Use layers to set properties for multiple shapes

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