Layer Priority Management: What Shows on Top (2025)

•6 min read•Video Editing

Quick Answer: In Scenith, top layers show on top; drag to reorder priority for compositing like graphics over video.

Layer priority determines visibility in edits, with top layers overlaying lower ones—essential for compositing in 80% of professional videos. Misplaced priority can hide key elements, reducing impact. Scenith’s timeline, used by over 50,000 creators, allows easy reordering and blending for seamless results on YouTube or TikTok.

This guide explains layer priority, Scenith’s management, manual alternatives, and best practices for effects like PIP. From tutorials to ads, you’ll master what shows on top.

In a reaction video, video layer on bottom, reaction on top—Scenith’s drag-and-drop ensures correct hierarchy.

Why Layer Priority Matters

Priority controls visibility, with top layers obscuring lower ones—crucial for compositing. In Premiere, top tracks take precedence; wrong order hides elements.

  • Compositing: Graphics on top of video for overlays.
  • Engagement: Correct order boosts clarity by 30%.
  • Accessibility: Ensures text visible over backgrounds.
  • Platform Fit: Top reactions for TikTok.
  • Efficiency: Easy reordering speeds edits.

A tutorial with graphics on top guides viewers—Scenith’s blending modes enhance this.

Priority also affects blending; top layers interact with below via modes like multiply. For multi-platform, Scenith exports with preserved hierarchy.

Method 1: Priority Management with Scenith (Recommended)

⏱️ Time: 1 minute💰 Cost: Free🎯 Ease: Beginner-Friendly

Scenith’s timeline lets you drag layers to set priority, with blending previews.

How to Manage Priority in Scenith:

  1. Add Layers: Stack video, graphics on timeline.
  2. Reorder: Drag top for priority.
  3. Apply Blending: Modes like screen for effects.
  4. Preview: Real-time to check visibility.
  5. Lock Layers: Prevent accidental changes.
  6. Export: Preserve hierarchy.

For PIP, place small video on top—Scenith’s previews show interactions.

✅ Advantages:

  • Drag-and-drop priority
  • Blending modes
  • Free basic management
  • Real-time previews

❌ Disadvantages:

  • Internet for previews
  • Premium blending

Try Scenith for free: Manage layer priority with no signup required.

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Method 2: Manual Priority Control

⏱️ Time: 10-20 minutes💰 Cost: $0-20/month🎯 Ease: Medium

Manual control in Premiere uses track order but no AI.

Popular Options:

  • Adobe Premiere: Track stacking ($20/month).
  • Final Cut: Layer order ($299).
  • DaVinci Resolve: Free timeline priority.

General Workflow:

  1. Stack tracks.
  2. Drag to reorder.
  3. Apply blending manually.
  4. Preview composites.
  5. Lock tracks.
  6. Export.

For 10 layers, manual reordering takes 15 minutes. Scenith’s drag is faster.

✅ Advantages:

  • Precise stacking
  • Offline
  • Pro blending

❌ Disadvantages:

  • Slow reordering
  • No AI
  • Costly

Best Practices for Compositing

📱 Top Priority for Graphics

Place text on top.

🎨 Use Blending Modes

Screen for lights.

🔄 Lock Lower Layers

Protect base video.

📺 Preview Hierarchies

Check top visibility.

💾 Version Control

Save priority setups.

For reactions, top layer for face—Scenith’s previews confirm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shows on top?

Top layers in timeline.

Can Scenith blend layers?

Yes, with modes like overlay.

How to reorder?

Drag in timeline.

Is priority free?

Basic is; premium blending.

Why use blending?

For seamless compositing.

Conclusion

Layer priority management controls visibility for pro compositing. Scenith’s tools make it intuitive, outperforming manual methods.

Join over 50,000 creators using Scenith for layered edits. Start today for seamless videos.

Ready to Manage Layer Priority?

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