Layers

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Roll20 organizes the graphics on the page into several layers. This makes it easier to work with just the set of graphics that you want, so for example you aren't moving the map around when you only mean to be interacting with the tokens on top of the map.


How Layers Work

Learn how to navigate layers on Roll20 in this quick tutorial. We explain how the layers work, how to access each one, and how to easily move between them with keyboard shortcuts.


The Layers

Objects & Tokens Layer

This layer is intended for tokens that you and the players will be manipulating throughout the game. Objects on this layer have a special radial menu to allow you to quickly change their properties, and also show bars and status markers.

Map & Background Layer

This layer is intended for objects that will remain static throughout the game, such as the background map or pieces of furniture/decorations.

GM Info Overlay Layer

The GM Info Overlay layer can only be seen by the GM. It's a great place to put drawings or text to remind you of traps or other information about the map that only the GM should see. You can also move tokens to this layer to hide them from players.

Dynamic Lighting Layer

This section is about a feature exclusive to Plus and Pro subscribers, or to players in a Game created by a subscriber. If you'd like to use this feature, consider upgrading your account.

This layer is used for laying down lines and shapes that will serve as walls and/or obstacles that will block out light or line of sight. Read more about Dynamic Lighting.


Changing Layers

In order to change between the available layers, simply mouseover the Layers button on the Toolbar. You will see the available layers, click to switch to the selected layer.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + O / Cmd + O >> Switch to the Objects & Token Layer
  • Ctrl + K / Cmd + K >> Switch to the GM Info Overlay Layer
  • Ctrl + M / Cmd + M >> Switch to the Map & Background Layer


Moving Objects Between Layers

By default, when you create an object (such as by dragging and dropping a token image or a map onto the tabletop), it's placed on whatever the currently active layer is. Sometimes you may want to move objects between layers, though. To do so, you can right-click on the object, and from the Layers option in the menu that appears, select the new layer to which you would like to move the object.

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + Shift + O / Cmd + Shift + O >> Switch to the Objects & Token Layer and move any selected objects to that layer
  • Ctrl + Shift + K / Cmd + Shift + K >> Switch to the GM Info Overlay Layer and move any selected objects to that layer
  • Ctrl + Shift + M / Cmd + Shift + M >> Switch to the Map & Background Layer and move any selected objects to that layer

A common use case of this is to move tokens from the GM Info layer (where they are not visible to players) to the Objects layer (where they are) when you want to "reveal" enemies to the players in a surprise attack.

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