> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.santacruzsoftware.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.santacruzsoftware.com/bannersui/guides/layers-and-locks.md).
# Layers and Locks
Designers use layers and locks to protect package content, placement, and styling.
The layers panel controls shared layer organization across artboards.\
You can also lock position, content, and properties of a specific layer in the Right Palette.
***
### Common layer actions
Available actions depend on your role and selection.
* **Select and manage**: Select, rename, duplicate, or delete layers and groups. Show or hide a layer as needed.
* **Organize**: Group or ungroup layers to manage related content together.
* **Arrange**: Move layers forward or backward. Bring a layer to the front or send it to the back.
* **Backgrounds and imports**: Assign a layer as the background layer. You can also merge layers during import.
Right-click a layer to rename or duplicate it.
### Layer visibility
Layer visibility can vary by artboard. Select the artboard you want to control before changing visibility.
If a layer is hidden by the designer, users customizing a job may see a message explaining that hidden layers can only be changed by designers.
### Group layers
There are 2 ways to group layers:
1. Select multiple layers using Ctrl or Shift, then right click and select Group.
2. Select multiple layers on the artboard using Shift, then right click and select Group.
{% hint style="success" %}
The keyboard shortcut for Grouping is ctrl+g.
{% endhint %}
### Lock content, position and properties
Designers use locks to protect packages.
* Lock content when users should not edit, copy, or replace media.
* Lock position when users should not move, scale, or resize objects.
* Lock properties when users should not change styling.
Layer and group locks can combine. A nested layer may be unavailable because one or more parent group layers are locked.
### Background layer rules
* Only one shared layer should be assigned as the template background layer.
* The background layer is reserved and should not be renamed to conflict with ordinary layers.
* Background layers have restrictions on ordering, grouping, duplication, and animation.
---
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