How to Send an Object to the Back in Inkscape?

Changing the stacking order of objects is a fundamental skill in Inkscape that allows you to control which elements appear on top of or behind others. This article provides a quick, step-by-step guide on how to send an object completely to the back of your canvas using menu commands, keyboard shortcuts, and the Selector tool. You will also learn how to manage layer-specific stacking to keep your vector artwork organized.

Using Menu Commands

The most straightforward way to alter the stacking order is through the application menu. This method is ideal if you prefer using your mouse or are still learning Inkscape’s interface.

1. Select the object you want to move using the Select and Transform Objects tool (the black arrow icon or press S).
2. Click on the Object menu at the top of the screen.
3. Select Lower to Bottom from the dropdown menu.

This action immediately moves the selected object underneath every other overlapping object on the current layer.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

For a faster workflow, keyboard shortcuts allow you to change the stacking order instantly without digging through menus.

• Send to Back: Select your object and press the End key on your keyboard. This lowers the object to the absolute bottom of the current layer.
• Lower One Step: If you don’t want to send it all the way to the back, press the Page Down (PgDn) key to lower the object beneath just one overlapping element at a time.

Using the Tool Controls Bar

When the Selector tool is active, a dynamic contextual toolbar appears above the canvas. This bar contains four geometric icon buttons specifically dedicated to changing the stacking order.

• Look for the icon that shows a green box completely behind a white box, which represents Lower to bottom (or press the End key equivalent button).
• Clicking this button will instantly send your selected shape or path to the very bottom of the pile.

Stacking Order vs. Layers

It is important to note that these commands only affect the stacking order within the active layer. Inkscape utilizes a hierarchical layer system.

If you have multiple layers, an object sent to the bottom of “Layer 2” will still appear on top of everything located in “Layer 1”. If you need to move an object to a completely different layer, select the object, right-click it, and choose Move to Layer…, or press Shift + Page Up / Shift + Page Down to shift the object between the layers themselves.