docs-desktop/dotnet-desktop-guide/framework/winforms/controls/how-to-layer-objects-on-windows-forms.md

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title	description	ms.date	dev_langs	helpviewer_keywords	ms.assetid	author	ms.author	manager
Layer Objects	Learn how to layer objects on Windows Forms controls and child forms to create more complex user interfaces.	03/30/2017	csharp vb cpp	Windows Forms controls, layering controls [Windows Forms], layering z order controls [Windows Forms], positioning z-order	1acc4281-2976-4715-86f4-bda68134baaf	jillre	jillfra	jillfra

How to: Layer objects on Windows Forms

When you create a complex user interface, or work with a multiple document interface (MDI) form, you will often want to layer both controls and child forms to create more complex user interfaces (UI). To move and keep track of controls and windows within the context of a group, you manipulate their z-order. Z-order is the visual layering of controls on a form along the form's z-axis (depth). The window at the top of the z-order overlaps all other windows. All other windows overlap the window at the bottom of the z-order.

To layer controls at design time

1. In Visual Studio, select a control that you want to layer.

2. On the Format menu, select Order, and then select Bring To Front or Send To Back.

To layer controls programmatically

Use the xref:System.Windows.Forms.Control.BringToFront%2A and xref:System.Windows.Forms.Control.SendToBack%2A methods to manipulate the z-order of the controls.

For example, if a xref:System.Windows.Forms.TextBox control, txtFirstName, is underneath another control and you want to have it on top, use the following code:

txtFirstName.BringToFront()

txtFirstName.BringToFront();

txtFirstName->BringToFront();

Note

Windows Forms supports control containment. Control containment involves placing a number of controls within a containing control, such as a number of xref:System.Windows.Forms.RadioButton controls within a xref:System.Windows.Forms.GroupBox control. You can then layer the controls within the containing control. Moving the group box moves the controls as well, because they are contained inside it.

See also

• Windows Forms Controls
• Labeling Individual Windows Forms Controls and Providing Shortcuts to Them
• Controls to Use on Windows Forms
• Windows Forms Controls by Function