How to Send an Object to the Back in Google Slides
Short Answer
How do you send an object to the back in Google Slides?
Select the object and press Ctrl + Shift + Down arrow (⌘ + Shift + Down arrow on Mac) to send it to the back, or Ctrl + Down arrow (⌘ + Down arrow) to move it back one layer. The menu route is Arrange › Order › Send to back. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then A O K.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Arrange › Send to Back. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Send to back | Ctrl+Shift+Down arrow | ⌘+Shift+Down arrow |
| Send backward | Ctrl+Down arrow | ⌘+Down arrow |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Slides.
Using the Menus
- Select the object.
- At the top, click Arrange › Order.
- Click Send to back, or Send backward to move it down one layer.
The PowerPoint-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Slides presentation.
- Select the object you want to move.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). PowerPoint-style key-tips appear.
- Press A, O, then K. ShortieCuts runs “Send to Back”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt AOBW | Send BackwardArrange key-tips |
| Alt JDAEK | Send to BackShape Format key-tips |
| Alt JDAEB | Send BackwardShape Format key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Handy for pushing a background shape behind text: Alt, A, O, K sends it to the back, and Alt, A, O, B, W moves it back one step.
More Google Slides How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt HI | New SlideBuilt-in: Ctrl + M |
| Alt NX | Insert a Text Box |
| Alt GH | Change Theme |
| Alt SC | Present (Slideshow)Built-in: Ctrl + F5 |
| Alt HAC | Align TextBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Alt DD | Duplicate SlideBuilt-in: Ctrl + D |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to send an object to the back in Google Slides?
Send to back: Ctrl + Shift + Down arrow on Windows; ⌘ + Shift + Down arrow on Mac. Send backward: Ctrl + Down arrow on Windows; ⌘ + Down arrow on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + A + O + K work in Google Slides?
Not on its own. Google Slides has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + A + O + K there won't send an object to the back. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then A, then O, then K, and ShortieCuts runs its "Send to Back" command.
How do I send an object to the back in Google Slides on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + Shift + Down arrow (Send to back). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then A, then O, then K.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.