To save you even more time here’s some handy layers palette tips.

control + click (Mac) or right click (Windows) the eye icon in the layers palette to make all but the clicked layer invisible.

control + click (Mac) or right click (Windows) the lock icon in the layers palette to make all but the clicked layer locked.

Drag the selected item icon on the layers palette to move an item to another layer.

To copy an object on one layer to another, select it with the item tool or content tool, and from the layers palette hold down the control key (on Mac and Windows) while dragging the item icon from the active layer to another layer. You can also duplicate multiple items, as long as they are on the same layer.

These first two tips came from the Revealing Tips: Jonathan Ferman Tips His QuarkXPress Hand article published in X-Ray Magazine, V4N5 and continued in V5N1. Check out those issues for a collection of timesaving tips and cool QuarkXPress tricks.

When you print a file that contains layers, it is just the same as printing any other layout, with the additional flexibility of being able to choose whether all aspects of the layout, namely the layers, will also be printed.

By default, if a layer is visible it will be printed. To control the layer-printing options, choose file > print > layers (section of the dialogue box). If a layer is hidden on the layout but you want to print it, check the box in the print column next to the layer name. If you check apply to layout, that layer will no longer be hidden and the output no longer suppressed.

A useful and indeed unique feature to QuarkXPress is the ability to see all the plates used for each layer. This can be used to check what colors have been used and to ensure that you don’t accidentally output, for instance, a layer with spot colors if it is a CMYK-only job.

Wrapping Up Layers

Using layers in QuarkXPress opens up a host of options and opportunities, whether it be for changing the stacking order of items, trying out different designs, passing notes around, or fine tuning the output of elements. With features such as transparency in QuarkXPress 7 and the new Quark Interactive Designer to add motion to items, layers have become even more important. Taking the time to integrate layers into your workflow will provide great dividends in terms of time, effort, and control.