Introduction to Flash Layers
Layers are very important in Flash animation. They allow you to organize your elements easily and determine which elements are in front of (or behind) other layers.
The Basic Layer Panel

Layers Tools for Beginners
Click to add a new layer
Click to delete a layer
Click in column next to a layer to lock or unlock a layer. Click the symbol at the top of the column to lock or unlock all layers.
Click in column next to a layer to hide or reveal layer. Click the symbol at the top of the column to hide or reveal all layers.
Add Motion Layer. We’ll discuss this in a more advanced tutorial.
Add a layer folder. You can use these to organize your layers when you have lots of them.
Rename a Layer

It’s a good idea to name layers so you can easily identify their contents (call the background layer “background”, for example). Double click on a layer’s name and then type in a new name.
Layer Order
You can rearrange layers by clicking on the layer and dragging. Art in higher layers will cover art in lower layers:

The person is in front of the wall because the person layer is above the wall layer.

The person is behind the wall because the person layer is beneath the wall layer.