Layer

A fundamental element in a Pixelmator Pro document representing an image, shape, mask, or another element in the composition. Layers are organized in a vertical hierarchy in the Layers sidebar, and they’re combined in the canvas to create your composition. Areas of a layer that have no visual content are transparent, allowing you to see the layer (or layers) beneath it in the canvas. The stacking order of layers in the Layers sidebar determines which layers appear in front of others in the canvas.

You can edit each layer individually, without affecting other layers. You can also organize layers into groups—containers in the Layers sidebar that enclose related layers and allow you to modify all layers within the group as a unit.

There are also two special layer types: color adjustment layers and effects layers. These layers contain no visual content but allow you to apply color, exposure, and special effects to all layers beneath them in the Layers sidebar.