Arrange Objects not working

[Jessica]

I am trying to add a rectangle behind shapes but if I select the rectangle and click any "To Back" or "Send to Back" nothing happens and it blocks the shape. If I select the shape and click "To Front" or "Bring Forward" again nothing happens and it stays behind the rectangle. 

I just downloaded draw io from the Microsoft Store v26.2.15.

[draw.io Q&A]

1. Confirm Element Selection

Make sure:

• The correct single shape is selected when sending to back/front.

• You aren’t grouping elements unintentionally — grouped shapes can behave unexpectedly.

Check:

• Right-click the shape and check for Ungroup option — if present, click it and retry.

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2. Use Right-click Layering Instead of Toolbar

Try using right-click context menu instead of toolbar icons:

1. Right-click the rectangle.

2. Go to Arrange → To Back.

3. Then try selecting the shape you want to be on top and go to Arrange → To Front.

This sometimes behaves more reliably than toolbar buttons in some edge cases.

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3. Check Shape Opacity and Style

Sometimes, if a shape has opacity or style quirks, it may appear visually "in front" even when technically behind.

Check:

• Right-click the rectangle → Format Panel → Style tab.

• Verify opacity is 100% (not accidentally low).

• Remove any shadow, glow, or custom style.

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4. Test in a Fresh Diagram

Create a new diagram with:

1. A rectangle.

2. A simple shape (e.g., ellipse or triangle).

3. Try layering again.

If layering works in the new diagram but not in your original one, then:

• You may have a corrupt file state or locked layers in your current file.

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5. Check for Locked Layers or Elements

In some cases:

• Layers may be locked or shapes pinned.

Try this:

• Open the Layers panel (via View → Layers).

• Check if any layers are locked (🔒 icon).

• Unlock them and retry layering.

Also, right-click the shape and see if Lock is ticked — if so, unlock it.

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🛠️ Workaround If All Else Fails

If the above doesn't help, here's a manual workaround:

1. Cut (Ctrl+X) the rectangle.

2. Paste (Ctrl+V) after selecting the canvas — it will appear on top.

3. Now send it to back again.

Sometimes this resets the internal stacking order.