Moving Layers Between Artboards

[Fletch45]

Hey there, quick question.

> I have Layer B on Artboard 1

> I made a new artboard and also copied Layer B

> I moved Layer B on to Artboard 2

> Now when I tried to align center Layer B on Artboard 2, my layer zoomed back to Artboard 1 and centered on it.

So my question is: Why is the layer properties bound to my first artboard? Normally once a layer is on top of a new artboard, it becomes attached to that artboard, right?

Appreciate the help!

- Fletcher

[Monika Gause]

Artboards are not included in the Document object model.

So layers are not children of artboards.

All layers span all artboards. But the objects in those layers don't belong to a particular artboard.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

Fletch45  wrote

Now when I tried to align center Layer B on Artboard 2, my layer zoomed back to Artboard 1 and centered on it.

So my question is: Why is the layer properties bound to my first artboard?

Hi Fletcher,

Artboards were introduced in CS4, and as Monica says, Layers are not tied to an Artboard. If you want those objects to be on a new artboard, that is a separate step to create and move the objects.

But let’s look at what you didn’t ask:

If you are trying to align objects on Artboard 2 and it zooms back to Artboard 1, you may not actually be on Artboard 2. Try again. This time look in the status bar or Properties panel or Artboard panel and confirm that you are on Artboard 2 and not just viewing it. Then select your shapes and try again.

(I did not mention Layers here, although you did, because they have nothing to do with the situation.)

In class, I have the students position an object halfway between two artboards and note that Illustrator thinks we are on Artboard 2 even though we have scrolled over a bit. When we align to the artboard, it jumps to the second. Then we select Artboard 1 and re-select the shape without moving it and try again. This time it goes to Artboard 1.

You will also see a thin black line around a selected Artboard.

~ Jane

[Fletch45]

That was the issue! Thank you for the explanation. I'm also really happy to know about that subtle black outline.

jane-e your advice is 10/10!

[jane-e]

You’re welcome, Fletcher, I’m happy it’s working for you now!

~ Jane