Accessibility

Add Layers to Your InDesign Project

Last modified 2/2/2024

The Layers Panel allows you to stack or order your content. The order is important because it allows assistive technologies to read the content logically. In the each layer, the order of the content is from bottom to top. The content at the bottom of the layer list is read first and the content at the top is read last.

To open the Layers Panel, choose Windows then select Layers from the list of options.

Step 1. Create Layers

Create at least three layers by selecting the Create New Layers button.

Screenshot of the Layers Panel with Create new Layers Button selected.

Rename the three layers by double clicking on the layer and typing the new layer name in the Name box. To help organize your content we suggest:

  • Text - All text content (i.e. headings, paragraph text, lists, form fields) which should be read by assistive technology.
  • Images - all major images and non-text content which need alternative text. 
  • Background - items which are decorative and should be ignored by assistive technology.

Step 2. Organize Content into Layers

Drag and drop content under the appropriate layer. Remember the reading order for each layer is bottom to top.