> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synaps.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synaps.app/drafting/the-layers-panel.md).

# The Layers panel

The Layers panel on the left lists every shape in your drawing as a front-to-back tree.

Use **Layers** to find, rename, hide, lock or reorder drawing content.

## Steps

1. Open the **Layers** panel on the left side.
2. Find a shape in the list. Containers — papers, groups and blocks — nest their children indented beneath them, so the panel mirrors your drawing's structure.
3. Use the controls on a row to rename, show or hide, lock, reorder or select that shape.

**Watch the steps · 9 seconds**

{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2F1tnT2ftojFCVd0uh7YnK%2Fdrafting-the-layers-panel-01-hero.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Select an item in the Layers panel and rename it.
{% endembed %}

## Rename a shape

Double-click a row to rename the shape it stands for.

## Show or hide a shape

Click the eye toggle on a row to hide a shape or show it again. Hiding a parent hides all its children. A hidden shape isn't drawn on the canvas and can't be clicked.

## Lock a shape

Click the lock toggle on a row to lock a shape. Locking a parent locks its children. A locked shape can't be moved or resized.

## Reorder and re-nest

Drag above or below another row to change stacking order: higher rows appear in front. Drag into a group or paper to place ordinary drawing shapes inside it.

The drop indicator shows the destination. A hidden or locked container cannot receive shapes; show or unlock it first. A container cannot be moved inside itself or its children. Floors stay in their assigned building; drawing shapes cannot be dropped directly into a building. A wall accepts doors and windows, not ordinary drawing shapes.

## Select and search

Click a row to select that shape on the canvas. To find a shape, type in the search box at the top of the panel; it filters rows by name or type, and selecting a result selects and zooms to that shape.

## What you'll see

A tree of every shape in your drawing, listed front to back, with containers holding their children indented beneath them. Each row shows the shape's name and, on hover, its eye and lock toggles. Changes you make here — order, visibility, lock — apply straight away on the canvas.

## Related guides

[Group shapes](/drafting/group-shapes.md).

More: [Reuse an element with blocks](/drafting/reuse-an-element-with-blocks.md) · [Create and export a paper](/drafting/papers.md).