# CanvasLayer

CanvasItem-derived nodes that are direct or indirect children of a CanvasLayer will be drawn in that layer. The layer is a numeric index that defines the draw order. The default 2D scene renders with index 0, so a CanvasLayer with index -1 will be drawn below, and a CanvasLayer with index 1 will be drawn above. This order will hold regardless of the CanvasItem.z\_index of the nodes within each layer.

CanvasLayers can be hidden and they can also optionally follow the viewport. This makes them useful for HUDs like health bar overlays (on layers 1 and higher) or backgrounds (on layers -1 and lower).

Note: Embedded Windows are placed on layer 1024. CanvasItems on layers 1025 and higher appear in front of embedded windows.

Note: Each CanvasLayer is drawn on one specific Viewport and cannot be shared between multiple Viewports, see custom\_viewport. When using multiple Viewports, for example in a split-screen game, you need create an individual CanvasLayer for each Viewport you want it to be drawn on.


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