Be able to group and layer images including grouping and ungrouping, moving to the front or back

Topic 12 – Images

Objective

Students will be able to:

• Group and ungroup images.
• Change the layering order of images (move to front, send to back, bring forward, send backward).

1. Understanding Images in ICT

Images are graphic objects that can be inserted into documents, presentations and spreadsheets. In most ICT software an image is treated as a drawing object that can be selected, moved, resized and layered with other objects.

2. Grouping Images

Grouping combines two or more images (or other objects) so that they behave as a single object. This is useful when you want to move or resize several pictures together.

1. Select the first image by clicking on it.
2. Hold down the Shift key and click each additional image you wish to include in the group.
3. With all required images selected, choose Group from the Arrange or Format menu, or click the Group button on the toolbar.

After grouping, any action (move, resize, rotate) applied to one part of the group affects the whole group.

3. Ungrouping Images

When you need to edit individual images within a group, you must ungroup them.

1. Select the grouped object.
2. Choose Ungroup from the same Arrange or Format menu, or click the Ungroup button.

The images return to their original independent state and can be edited separately.

4. Layering (Z‑order) of Images

When several images overlap, the order in which they are stacked is called the layer order or Z‑order. Controlling this order lets you decide which image appears on top.

These commands are usually found under Arrange → Order or a similar menu.

5. Practical Steps – Example Activity

1. Insert three pictures (e.g., a tree, a house, and a sun) onto a blank page.
2. Resize each picture so they overlap partially.
3. Group the tree and house together.
4. Use Bring to Front to place the sun above the grouped house‑tree.
5. Ungroup the house‑tree and then Send Backward the house so the tree appears in front of it.
6. Save the document and note the sequence of commands used.

6. Tips and Common Mistakes

• Always check that the correct objects are selected before applying a grouping or layering command.
• If an object does not move as expected, it may be locked or part of a group.
• Use the Selection Pane (if available) to view and reorder objects numerically.
• Remember that grouping does not merge the images; it only links them for manipulation.

7. Summary

Effective use of grouping and layering allows you to create complex visual layouts while maintaining control over individual elements. Mastery of these skills is essential for producing professional‑looking documents, presentations and web pages.