Sending an object to the back in Google Slides is a straightforward process. You simply select the object you want to move, right-click to open the context menu, and then select “Order,” followed by “Send to back.” This action moves the selected object behind all others on the slide, allowing you to create a layered effect in your presentation.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Send to Back in Google Slides
When working on a Google Slides presentation, you may need to layer objects, such as images, shapes, or text boxes to create a visually appealing slide. The following steps will guide you through the process of sending an object to the back of the stack.
Step 1: Open your Google Slides presentation
Open the Google Slides presentation that contains the object you want to send to the back.
When you open the presentation, make sure you’re on the slide where the object is located. You’ll need to be able to click on the object to select it, so if you can’t find it, try navigating through your slides until you do.
Step 2: Select the object
Click on the object that you want to send to the back.
Once you’ve found and selected the object, it will be outlined to show that it’s been selected. This might be an image, a text box, or any other element on your slide.
Step 3: Right-click on the object
Right-click on the selected object to open the context menu.
A menu will appear with various options. If you’re using a device without a right-click function, you can usually open this menu by clicking with two fingers or holding down the ‘Control’ (Ctrl) key while you click.
Step 4: Choose “Order”
Hover over “Order” in the context menu.
After you hover over “Order,” a side menu will pop out, giving you several layering options.
Step 5: Select “Send to back”
Click on “Send to back” in the side menu.
This action will immediately move the object to the back, behind all other objects on the slide. If there are multiple layers, the object will go behind all of them.
After you complete the action of sending an object to the back, you’ll notice that any objects that were previously behind it will now be in front. This allows you to create depth in your slide and ensure that the right elements are visible to your audience.
Tips for Sending to Back in Google Slides
- If you have multiple objects to send to the back, you can hold down the ‘Shift’ key and click on each object to select them all before right-clicking.
- To quickly send an object to the front instead of the back, you can select “Send to front” from the same “Order” menu.
- If you make a mistake, you can undo the action by pressing ‘Ctrl’ + ‘Z’ (or ‘Command’ + ‘Z’ on a Mac).
- When you have many overlapping objects, it can sometimes be tricky to select the right one. Try moving objects out of the way or using the ‘Tab’ key to cycle through them.
- Keep in mind that sending an object to the back may make it difficult to select again later. Plan your slide layout accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send an object to a specific layer, not just to the back?
Yes, to position an object at a specific layer, use “Send backward” or “Bring forward” options to move the object one layer at a time until it reaches your desired position.
Can I send multiple objects to the back at once?
Absolutely, you can select multiple objects by holding down the ‘Shift’ key while clicking on them, then right-click and follow the same steps to send them all to the back.
Is it possible to send text to the back?
Yes, text boxes are treated just like any other object in Google Slides and can be sent to the back of the layer stack.
What if the “Send to back” option is greyed out?
If “Send to back” is greyed out, it means that the object is already at the back or that no other objects are on the slide to layer it behind.
Will sending an object to the back affect its animation?
Sending an object to the back will not affect its animation settings. However, if the object is behind another, it may not be visible when animated.
Summary
- Open your Google Slides presentation.
- Select the object.
- Right-click on the object.
- Choose “Order.”
- Select “Send to back.”
Conclusion
Mastering the art of layering objects in Google Slides can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your presentations. Sending an object to the back is a fundamental skill that allows you to manage the visual hierarchy on your slides effectively. With the simple steps outlined in this article, you can quickly rearrange your elements, creating depth and focus where needed. Remember to experiment with the layering options and use the tips provided to streamline the process. Whether you’re a student or a professional, knowing how to send to back in Google Slides is an essential tool in your presentation toolkit. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be layering like a pro!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.