Feature Suggestion: Option to Insert New Shapes/Elements Relative to Selected Layer (Instead of Always Adding to Top of Stack)

Summary
When creating a new shape with the shape tool while a layer is selected, Figma always places the new object at the top of the layer stack within its parent frame or group. This behavior ignores the currently selected layer and creates friction when working inside complex hierarchies.

Problem
In large frames or deeply nested structures, new shapes regularly need to be inserted near a specific layer. Figma’s current behavior forces users to:

• Manually reposition the new object in the layer list every time

• Or create shapes elsewhere and use “Paste Here”

• Or duplicate existing objects just to preserve layer order

These are workarounds that break flow, especially during layout construction, wireframing, or when adding utility shapes inside structured components.

Why This Matters

• Slows down designers working with complex design systems

• Adds unnecessary layer management steps

• Breaks expected behavior based on other design tools (e.g., Illustrator, Sketch), which insert relative to selection

• Reduces efficiency for power users managing large UI layouts

Proposed Solution (any of the following would solve the issue)

1. Respect current selection when creating a new shape
   Insert the new object directly above the selected layer in the hierarchy.

2. Provide a preference toggle
   Example:

   • “Insert new shapes at top of stack”

   • “Insert new shapes next to current selection”

3. Provide a modifier key behavior
   e.g., Holding Shift while drawing inserts relative to selection.

Impact
This small quality-of-life improvement would significantly streamline workflows for designers who work heavily with layered interfaces, frames, and design systems.

Thank you for considering this enhancement!