Position layers
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of positioning a layer in AppMockUp Studio. You will learn how to update the position of a layer using the Auto Layout settings and how to align, set margins, offsets, and rotation.
Before You Begin:
In order to view the layer properties in the Properties Panel you need to select it in the Layers Panel.
Note: A layer is selected when highlighted in blue in the Layers Panel.
Update Position
All layers in AppMockUp Studio are positioned based on the Auto Layout settings. Properties like Align, Margin, Offset and Rotation can give you more control over the position of your layers.
Auto Layout is enabled.
You can have even more control by clicking on the Ignore Auto Layout buttonand manually set the position of your layers.
Auto Layout is disabled.
Align
'Align' determines your layer's anchor point - the reference point from which all positioning is calculated. You can set alignment using two rows of buttons:
The basic alignment options (Left, Center, Right) are always available.
When you enable "Ignore Auto Layout", the vertical alignment options (Top, Middle, Bottom) will also become available.
Once you set an alignment, you can use margins to adjust the layer's position from that anchor point.
For example, selecting "Left" alignment makes the left edge of the layer your anchor point, it also snaps the layer to the left edge of the screenshot. You can them adjust the distance between the layer and left edge which you can then adjust using "Left Margin".
Margins (Recommended)
Margins are the recommended way to position your layers because they provide consistent spacing across all screenshot sizes.
All margin calculations (top, right, bottom, left) use the screenshot's width as a reference, ensuring consistent proportional spacing regardless of device dimensions.
• Margins are only available when if the Ignore Auto Layout buttonis disabled.
• You can adjust margins using the input fields or the up/down arrow keys for fine adjustments.
• For example, a 10% left margin will always position your layer 10% of the screenshot's width from the left edge.
Offset
Offsets provide an alternative positioning method that uses both width and height as reference points. X (horizontal) offset uses the screenshot's width, while Y (vertical) offset uses the screenshot's height.
This differs from margins because:
• Margins use only width for both horizontal and vertical positioning
• Offsets use width for X-axis and height for Y-axis calculations
Setting both X and Y offsets to 0% positions the layer according to its alignment settings.
Rotation
Rotate your layer from -180 to 180 degrees:
• Enter a specific value in the rotation input field
• Negative values rotate counterclockwise
• Positive values rotate clockwise
Pro Tips:
Double-click the slider knob to reset to the default value.
In the input field, use keyboard shortcuts for incremental adjustments:
↑ / ↓ - Increment / decrement by 1
Shift + ↑ / ↓ - Increment / decrement by 10
Video Example
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How to Rename Layers
How to Position Layers
How to Resize Layers
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How to Update the Fill Color
How to Update the Fill Gradient
How to Update the Fill Image
Effects: Strokes, and Shadows
How to Add and Update Screenshot Highlights
How to Update the Text Layer Background & Decoration
Icon Layer Overview
Text Layer Overview
Device Layer Overview