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Using the Move Tools in Canvas

Understand how these fundamental select, hand, and magnifying glass tools work inside the Layer Canvas

Updated over a week ago

The Move Tools in Layer’s Canvas help you navigate your workspace, reposition assets, and control your view with precision. This guide covers the three core tools in the Move Tools group: Select, Hand, and Magnifying Glass. Whether you’re repositioning assets, inspecting fine details, or panning across a large composition, these tools keep you in control.

Included tools:

  • Select Tool – Moves image elements within a layer

  • Hand Tool – Pans across the canvas

  • Magnifying Glass Tool – Zooms in and out


Select Tool

The Select Tool lets you move content on an active layer inside your canvas.

How to use:

  • Select the tool from the toolbar.

  • Click an asset on an active layer.

  • Drag to reposition it within the canvas.


Note: The Select Tool only works on content within a layer. If no layer is active, the tool will have no effect.


Hand Tool

The Hand Tool is used to pan around the canvas view without affecting any image content.

How to use:

  • With the Hand Tool, left-click and drag to move canvas.

  • Or, hold the middle mouse button and move to pan without switching.

This is especially helpful when working on detailed sections of a large canvas.


Magnifying Glass Tool

The Magnifying Glass Tool allows you to zoom in and out for a closer or broader view of your canvas.

How to use:

  • Select the Magnifying Glass Tool, then hold left mouse button and drag to zoom.

  • Alternatively, hold ALT + Left Mouse Button and drag to zoom without switching tools.

This makes it easy to inspect fine details or quickly reframe your canvas view.


Best Practices

  • Use shortcut behaviors like middle mouse drag and ALT + drag to stay efficient without switching tools.

  • Combine the Hand Tool and Magnifying Glass to navigate and inspect large or complex canvases.

  • Only use the Select Tool when you need to reposition content on an active layer—double-check your layer settings if it’s not responding.

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