Layer structure in Illustrator

Layers play a different role than they do in Adobe Photoshop. 

Photoshop: 

Layers are essential to selection (because artwork is not organized in paths). 

Layers are used for stacking. 

Illustrator: 

Selection and isolation rely on paths. You can have an unlimited amount of Paths in one layer. Stacking can be done by arranging objects within a layer. 

Layers are mainly for organizing. 

The Layer's Panel will help you arrange your project based on a layer's method. 

• You can change the name of the layer by double-clicking on the layer's name and name it. 

• Holding the Alt key you can click on the eye symbol to hide all the layers. 

• Holding the Command (Control Key) and clicking on the eye symbol will change the mode from preview to Artwork. 

• Clicking on the New Layer Symbol while holding the Option Key (ALT) will bring the layer option menu up to change the name. 

• To quick select objects in the same layer: Option (ALT) click on the layers name! 

Remember:

Illustrator layers contain Objects! In order to work on the layer you have to select the Object! The Merge Layer command does not change the stacking order of the objects and hidden layers do not merge. Before you merge the layers it is a good idea to save a layered copy.

Stacking objects

Layers play a different role than they do in Adobe Photoshop. 

In Illustrator you draw your objects and stack them. 

Altering the order of a stack does not alter the order of the layers. 

In order to change the order of the objects, select the object, go to Object -> arrange (or with a right mouse click) and choose: 

• Bring to Front. 

• Bring Forward. 

• Send Backward. 

• Send to Back.

Note: You can copy Layers in Illustrator after you've enabled "Click on Paste Remembers Layers". This also works if you've copied the layers in Photoshop!