How to Keep Layering of Visuals in Power BI Desktop

[anmolmalviya05]

Have you ever added multiple visuals on top of each other in Power BI and noticed that they don't always behave the way you'd like? Especially when using shapes as backgrounds with cards or KPIs placed on top — clicking the shape often hides the visuals above it.

In this blog, we’ll learn how to manage and maintain the correct layering of visuals using the Selection Pane in Power BI Desktop.

Problem Scenario

Let’s say you’ve added:

• Two shapes (used as design backgrounds),
• And placed card visuals inside them.
  

But when you click on the shape — the card visuals disappear or go behind the shape. Not what we want, right?

Goal

Ensure that the cards always stay visible on top of the shapes, no matter what interaction happens.

Solution: Use the Selection Pane

Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix layering using the Selection pane:

Step 1: Open the Selection Pane

Go to the View tab

➡️ Check the box for Selection

This will open the Selection pane on the right-hand side.

Step 2: Group Background Shapes

1. In the Selection pane, click to select all the shapes used as background.
   
2. Right-click and choose Group – this will place them into a group (e.g., Group 1).
   

Step 3: Send Shapes to Back

1. Select the Group that contains your shapes.
2. Use the "Send backward" arrow at the bottom of the selection pane.
   
3. Click until the group moves to the bottom of the visual stack.

This ensures your cards, KPIs, or any visuals will always remain on top of the shapes.

Result

Now, when you click on the background shape, your card visuals will no longer disappear. The layering is preserved, and the visuals stay exactly where you want them — on top.

Pro Tip

You can rename visuals and groups in the Selection Pane to keep your report organized, especially when working with many layers.

Wrapping Up

Using the Selection Pane is a great way to control your layout and visual layering — making your Power BI reports look polished and behave predictably.

Regards

Anmol Malviya

Sr. Data Analyst | Addend Analytics

[DJData]

Why is this preferable to Properties > Advanced options > Maintain layer order?