Inkscape

How can I center my group of multilayer objects without losing my layering?

Asked by Skip Robison

While editing recently after moving many objects and text onto multiple layers to allow easy editing, I found it necessary to re-center the whole image within the bounding borders. With all the layers unlocked and unhidden, I grouped everything together to allow complete movement of everything and moved them all. After ungrouping, all the many objects turned up to be in the active layer that I had been in previously when I grouped them and my many other layers were empty.
Why did all of the layers consolidate, and how can I maintain the integrity of my individual layers in the future if I need to move everything at once?
I have read the online manual and also my Kirsanov book to no effect.
Please advise.

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Best su_v (suv-lp) said : 		#1

It is not possible to retain layers when grouping objects from across
different layers: layers are basically groups as well 8with a special
attribute which makes Inkscape treat them as layers). Objects cannot
belong to more than one group at the same time.

To solve the issue, take again a closer look at the 'Align and
distribute dialog: it has an option to treat the selection as group (a
checkbox). This allows to e.g. center a selection of multiple objects
(e.g. across multiple layers) as a single group, without actually having
to put them into a group.

See also:
<http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Groups.html>
<http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Layers.html>
and
<http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Align.html#Align-Align>:
<quote>
When the Treat selection as group: box is checked, all selected objects
are treated as if they were in a Group. This saves on having to group
and ungroup the selected objects when you wish to align them together to
the Page or to the drawing.
</quote>

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Skip Robison (robison3090) said : 		#2

Thanks ~suv, that solved my question.