Help selecting layers to group

[ScottCreedArt]

I'm working in Adobe Express editing png images.  I select one of the layes I want to group, then hold shift key and select another layer but they don't stay selected and I don't get the "group" button/option.  What am I doing wrong?  

[Amitej S]

Hi @ScottCreedArt ,

Welcome to the Adobe Express Community!!

I tried grouping the layers following the mentioned workflow, and it worked for me. Just ensure when you're clicking on the layers in the editing space, it gets selected.

Could you try the same workflow in a different browser or private/incognito mode? You can also try working after clearing the cache/cookies of your browser to see if that makes any difference.

Let us know about your observations.

Best,

Amitej

[mpalys]

Amitej, it does NOT work when the layers are purposefully one on top of the other. 
Also, shouldn't we be able to select layers on the right?? This does not work at all. VERY FRUSTRATING

[Abhi.G @ ADBE]

Hi @mpalys

Just so I am clear, you are referring to multi-selecting layers, correct? We are aware there are challenges multi-selecting layers are overlapping significantly. It's a frequently reported issue (https://adobeexpress.uservoice.com/forums/951181-adobe-express/suggestions/47490893-multi-select-lay...) and improvements are in the works.

Thanks for your patience.

Abhi G

[csmchristina]

Are you on a Mac?

I have the same problem, and have tried private browsers, different browsers, cleaning the cache, and dragging to select...this seems like it should have a simple solution...anyone?  Premium user for a couple of years and have been frustrated by this functionality since beginning to work with Express in September 2022.

[wendy98A4]

You have to make the selection on the art/project area not on the layers at the side.  I had the same issue but then found if I select the layers I want on the actual artwork and hold the shift it works.  I think it would make sense to select the layers in the panel section using the same method so if this should work that way - it's not.  CTRL A to select ALL also works - to deselect a layer after CTRL A, hold shift and deselect the layers on the art/project.

[ScottCreedArt]

Thank you for the suggestions. I have been trying to select the actual
image not the layers menu. It seems that when I frame a picture with a
thin border, it’s recognized as one; and selecting both individually does
not work. BUT I did not know about the Ctrl A shortcut. I am anxious to get
home and try that. THANK YOU for that tip!!!!! Fingers crossed. Btw I
tried to follow up with the adobe support - but their mailbox is full?????
Huh? -scottcreedart

[Chrystele]

I just had a similar issue with a new project. I was not able to select two or more layers at the same time as before. I found out that I created a frame around the project, which prevented the selection of multiple layers and grouping. As soon as I deleted it, everything worked again. I found Adobe Express awfully slow on Mac and the creation progress too. Now I find out it's also with bugs.

[ScottCreedArt]

Yes... I'm putting frames and borders in the images I'm editing as well.
That must be where the problem is. I'm new to this... not sure if CANVA
would be better for my work. I figured Adobe product would not need so
many work arounds to do what should be simple.

[Mina338857126dea]

Simply lock all the layers you do not want included in the particular group, drag to select multiple layers, group, and unlock to continue editing the file.

[Kellie32225961ncua · Accepted solution]

I would support the locking of layers and then the CRT A and deselecting what you don't want holding SHIFT and you can still at this point move along the timeline so you can deselect other layers when visible. 

[epic_Flair15D5]

Thanks! I too was floundering trying to figure this out. Your suggestion "make the selection on the art/project area not on the layers at the side" did the trick.

[Sesesierra4]

I totally agree with you on this you would think adobe would make the functionality of adobe express similar to photoshop. They have a lot of work to do with making this program better. I was planning on canceling my subscription with Canva and strictly using adobe express but they are missing a lot! Canva offer way more in comparison to adobe express and although Canva can be glitchy at times at least the functionality is more smoother, you have more freedom, and way more options! Even the flow of the menu is better not the best but better...Adobe express is giving controlling...like give the user the freedom to controll what and how they want to use pictures and tools you know....like I shouldn't be forced to only use background designs as backgrounds what if I don't want it to be in the background, what if I want to use it as an overlay ...also the arching of the text, like I should have control over how much I want to arch it. Moreover, using the plug ins or add on should be available on the app and not just the website, I shouldn't  be forced to grab a computer just to get access to plug ins, or download the app if I'm on my ipad and I want to use the website just so I can access the add on. What if I didn't have a computer.....then the add on Brandfetch why when I click the image it don't load on to my artwork so I can resize and place, and then when I drag it, it attach itself to a layer and replace the design ruins everything...where I have to undo and add some random shape just so it can load on the page properly without attaching itself to a layer and replacing the design. Adobe is limiting and need to improve a lot before they can be on par with Canva or surpass it tbh. Sorry I kind of went on a rant about adobe in agreement to your comment 🤣 

[Bing Drawsby]

Has this been resolved?

I'm trying to select multiple layers on iOS.

I want to select multiple layers and align them to each other. Don't see a way to do this.