Changing the layer stacking order

The Timeline window displays the layer stacking order. The uppermost layer in the composition appears at the top of the layer outline list, the second layer is immediately below it, and so on. Changing the order of footage layers modifies the appearance of your composition by repositioning footage in front of or behind other footage.

Changing the position of an adjustment layer in the stacking order changes which layers it affects, because it affects only the layers below it. (See Creating an adjustment layer.)

Note: Because of their depth properties, the stacking order of 3D layers in the Timeline window does not necessarily reflect their position in the Composition window. (See "Combining 2D and 3D layers" on page 612.)

To rearrange layer order:

In the Timeline window, select the layers you want to move by name and drag up or down the stacking order.

Note: As you drag a layer name up or down, a horizontal line appears between other layer names, indicating the position to which the layer will move if you release the mouse.

To move a layer to a specific position in the order:

In the Composition or Timeline window, select the layer. To move a layer up or down one level, choose Layer and then choose Bring Layer Forward or Send Layer Backward. Choose Bring Layer to Front to move a layer to the top of the composition and choose Send Layer to Back to move the layer to the bottom of the composition.