Layer of canvas

[gzquse]

Question:

What is the real impact for "send backward"/ "send forward"? I cannot see the figure move up and down but only using the option of "to front"/"to back". However, the later options will effect the figure all the way to the front or back.
If there are any ways to see the real layer behind the hood? The tags are only based on the properties.

[davidjgraph]

Understanding Send Backward / Bring Forward vs. To Back / To Front in draw.io
What each command does:

Bring Forward - Moves the shape one step closer to the front
Send Backward - Moves the shape one step deeper behind other shapes
To Front - Brings the shape to the absolute top layer
To Back - Sends the shape to the absolute bottom layer

Key difference:

Bring Forward / Send Backward move the shape one layer at a time.

To Front / To Back jump to the top or bottom of the stacking order.

Why you might not see anything change

If the shape doesn't overlap other shapes, moving its layer won’t show a visible difference.

If the shape is already in front or behind, further changes may do nothing visibly.

Layer order is only noticeable when shapes overlap.

How to inspect or test stacking order (Z-order)

Use semi-transparent test shapes

    Add a translucent rectangle over your shape.

    Move your shape forward/backward to observe changes.

View the diagram XML

    Go to File > Edit Diagram...

    Shapes are listed inside the <root> section.

    The last shape in that list is the topmost in Z-order.

    You can manually reorder shapes by moving those blocks up/down.

Use Layers (not the same as Z-order, but helpful)

    Use View > Layers... to organize shapes.

    Shapes on higher layers appear above those in lower layers.

    Each layer also maintains its own stacking order internally.