Adding images to your Google Slides presentations can make them more visually appealing and help communicate your message more effectively. However, sometimes you may need to rearrange image layering if one image overlaps another or a text box. Fortunately, Google Slides makes it easy to send images backward or forward to organize slide objects.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to move an image to the back in Google Slides using desktop and mobile devices.
Why Send an Image to the Back in Google Slides?
Here are some common reasons you may want to send an image to the back layer in a Google Slides presentation:
- An image overlaps text or another image, and you want the other object to appear on top
- You added a background image but want to place text boxes or shapes on top of it
- You want to organize images behind the main content to declutter the slide
- You inserted a screenshot but need to add annotations on top of it
Sending an image to the back rearrange the object layering so you can build your ideal slide composition.
How to Move an Image to the Back in Google Slides on Desktop
Moving an image to the back in Google Slides using a desktop or laptop is quick and easy:
Step 1: Open your presentation and select the image
First, open your Google Slides presentation and go to the slide containing the image you want to send backward. Click the image to select it. A blue border will appear around the selected image.
Step 2: Click the “Arrange” option
Next, click the “Arrange” option at the top of the screen. Alternatively, you can right-click the image and select “Arrange” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Choose “Order” > “Send to back”
In the Arrange menu, click “Order” then select “Send to back” from the options. The image will now be sent behind all other slide objects.
And that’s it! The image is now moved to the back layer of your Google Slides presentation. You can bring it forward again using the same Arrange menu if needed.
How to Send an Image to the Back in Google Slides on Mobile
If you want to move an image to the back while editing Google Slides on your phone or tablet, here is what to do:
Step 1: Tap the image to select it
Open your presentation on the Google Slides mobile app and navigate to the slide with the image. Tap the image to select it.
Step 2: Tap the right arrow next to the image
When you select an image on mobile, an arrow icon will appear on the right side. Tap this arrow to open additional options.
Step 3: Select “Send to back”
In the image options menu, choose “Send to back” to move the image behind all other slide objects.
The steps are very similar to the desktop version. The only difference is accessing the Arrange options for mobile.
Tips for Managing Object Layering in Google Slides
Here are some handy tips for arranging images and other slide elements:
- Use “Bring to front” or “Bring forward” to overlay an image on top of other objects
- Group related elements to move them together as one object
- Align and distribute multiple images to organize them neatly
- Use slide layers strategically to build complex compositions
- Change the transparency of overlapping images for a layered effect
Experiment with layering and arranging objects to create visually impactful slides!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about sending images to the back in Google Slides:
How do I bring an image forward in Google Slides?
To bring an image forward, select it and go to Arrange > Order > Bring forward. This will move the image one layer closer to the front.
Can I send an image to the very back layer?
Yes, select the image and choose Arrange > Order > Send to back. This will place the image behind all other slide objects.
What about other objects like shapes or text boxes?
The arrange options work for any slide element – images, shapes, text boxes, tables etc. You can reorder any object.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to send images back/forward?
Yes! Ctrl + Down arrow sends backward. Ctrl + Up arrow brings forward. Ctrl + Shift + Down sends an image to the very back.
Conclusion
Learning how to change image layering is an important skill for both simple and advanced presentations in Google Slides. Using the arrange options, you can easily send images to the back, front, or anywhere in between.
So next time you need to rearrange overlapping objects in a presentation, use this step-by-step guide to move images back in Google Slides seamlessly.
