Layers in collage animation: move, merge, hide and erase

When Editor de Vídeo Online cuts out your Vox-style collage, each element becomes a layer. Knowing how to handle these layers gives you full control of the video: you fix cutouts, reposition pieces, join what belongs together and decide what appears. This guide covers everything about collage animation layers, including keyboard shortcuts.

Understanding the layer list

In the right column, each layer shows a number and a color, matching the dot in the preview (the purple 5 in the preview is the purple 5 in the list). The list order is the entrance order in the video: drag items to change it. To choose how each layer enters, see the guide to the 47 entrance animations.

Selecting layers

• Click a layer (in the list or the preview).
• Shift+click another to select the range.
• Ctrl+click adds or removes a layer from the selection.
• Click empty paper to deselect.

Move, resize and rotate

Activate the Move tool (button or V key):

When an element moves, its old spot is filled with clean paper.

Hide and show (eye icon)

Just like in Photoshop, the eye hides or shows a layer. A hidden layer does not appear in the video or count toward the timing. Alt+click the eye to show only that layer; do it again to bring them all back.

Archive (trash can)

The trash can archives a layer: it leaves the video and goes to Archived at the end of the list. Nothing is deleted — the ↺ button restores it. The Delete key and the right-click menu do the same.

Merging layers

Useful when the cutout split parts that should animate together (for example, a person and their shadow):

1. Click a layer and Shift+click another (or Ctrl+click to pick individually).
2. Right-click > Merge layers, press Ctrl+E, or use the Merge layers button in the panel.
3. The merged layer stays selected and shows a badge with how many parts it joined.

The right-click menu also applies the same animation to all selected layers.

Join and Split (cutout fixes)

• Join: hold the mouse and drag over the pieces of the same element (e.g. a photo that came out in two colors).
• Split: trace around the element that got stuck to another.

After joining or splitting, the tool switches back to Move automatically. The ? How to use button opens a mini animated tutorial.

Eraser

E key or the Eraser button: paint over faulty bits to erase them.

• Hold Alt (or choose Restore) to paint them back.
• Set the size with the slider or the [ and ] keys.
• Only on the selected layer protects the others.
• Nothing is lost: Ctrl+Z undoes, and erased areas stay saved when you regenerate or reload.

Shortcut table

Frequently asked questions

Can merging layers be undone?

Yes, with Ctrl+Z.

What is the difference between hiding and archiving?

Hiding (eye) keeps the layer in the list and is quick to toggle. Archiving (trash) removes the layer from the main list and stores it in Archived — ideal for elements you do not want in the video.

Are my edits saved?

Yes. Cutouts, splits, merges, positions and animations are saved in the browser and come back when you reload. Learn about the elements kit to reuse pieces.

Conclusion

Mastering layers takes your collage animation from "automatic" to "professional". With move, merge, hide and eraser, you control every piece. Practice in Editor de Vídeo Online.