Layers

hyperPad supports multiple layers. A layer is simply one set of objects stacked on top of another. This lets you work on one set of objects without affecting the objects stacked above or below the current layer. By default, a background layer and 2 UI layers are automatically created for you. If no other layer is created or selected, all objects will be placed on these layers.

Layers also prevents objects from physically interacting with objects on different layers, so you could have a bunch of mice running into each other but not running into the main character.

Lets take a look at the Layer interface.

Open/Close Layer Bar

The layers bar is hidden by default. You will see a small icon on the edge of the screen indicating a hidden panel.

The layer bar will automatically when you need it. If you tap an object that is on a different layer, the Layer Bar will open.

If you need to close or hide the layer bar, you can swipe it to the right with your finger. Additionally, swiping left from the edge of the screen will open the layer bar.

Add New Layer

You can tap the "+" button at the bottom of the layers bar to add a new layer. When you add a new layer, it is added above the current selected layer.

Edit Layers

Tapping the gear icon allows you to edit some properties of the layers. Simply tap anywhere on your screen to cancel the edit mode.

Deleting a Layer

With the edit mode enabled you can tap the trash icon to delete your layer.

Remember that you can not undo this, so make sure you really want to delete your layer!

Renaming a Layer

You can rename a layer by tapping the pencil icon when in the edit mode.

Just enter the new name in the popup that appears.

Rearrange Layers

You can rearrange your layers by pressing and holding your finger on a layer, then moving it up or down to the new position. 

Show/Hide Layer

You can Show or Hide a layer. Doing this will also show or hide the layer when you play or publish your creation.

UI Layers

The UI Layers are on top of the other layers in the scene and typically used for buttons, joysticks, and labels.

When using behaviors like "Joystick Controlled" or "Jump with Button", UI objects are automatically added to the Global UI layer if none already exist.

The entire UI layer moves with the screen, so objects placed within the screen boundaries always stay in view.

There are two UI layers. Global UI and Scene UI. Objects placed on the Global UI layer will exist on all scenes in your project. The Scene UI layer is specific to each scene. Objects placed on the Scene UI layer will only be visible on that scene.

Z-Orders:

Z Orders are similar to layers in that the appearance of the object is stacked ontop of another. However, Z Order allows you to change which object appears in front of another, and they can still interact/collide with eachother (as long as they are on the same layer).

Objects on the same layer shouldn't have have the same z-order, this may result in unexpected ordering. 

Each new object you add to the layer has a z order greater than the last. For example if I add a flower the the layer, the first flower will have a z-Order of 0. The next flower I add will have a Z-Order of 1, the next after that will have a z-order of 2.

You can change the Z-Order of an object to make it appear on top of another object. To do this first select the Object.

Next from the “Object Properties” select the “Transform" tab.

 

From the Transform tabs you can change the Z-Order.

The number here represents the order of the object based on the amount of objects on that layer.

A higher number means the object will appear to be on top of other objects on that layer that have a lower number.

Behaviors to change Layers and Z-Order:

If you need to change your objects layer or Z-Order while your creation is running then you can use the “Move to Layer” or “Set Z Order” behaviors located in the “Transform” and "Scene" categories.