Visual Bug: How Objects' Layering Inconsistently on Shared Workplace with Other Users

[NeoRedcraft]

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Describe the bug
An inconsistent how objects layered to each other if there are multiple users working on the same objects on a shared workplace.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

1. Setup a workpalce
2. Share the workplace as a google drive file
3. Share for multiple users to join in
4. Let them and you be present on the same workplace
5. User 1 creates objects that can overlay with others
6. User 2 will drag objects those overlayered the objects

Expected behavior
This will create inconsistent object layering. User 1 (Screenshot with white mode on) might see objects placed at the bottom of the layer, requiring User 1 to manually drag backward to the layer, as shown in the first screenshot. As seen in User 2 (Screenshot with dark mode on), their screen appears consistent with the background color used.

Screenshots
If applicable, add screenshots to help explain your problem.

draw.io version (In the Help->About menu of the draw.io editor):

• draw.io version currently used on the web

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• Device: Laptop
• OS: Windows
• Browser: Microsoft Edge

I tested the problem in incognito/private mode with all browser extensions switched off, write "yes" below:

• Yes

Additional context
Add any other context about the problem here.

[draw-io-triage-bot]

👋 Thank you for opening this issue!

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Summary: The user reports that when multiple users collaborate on the same draw.io diagram, the z-order (layering) of overlapping objects appears inconsistent between users — one user sees objects in a different stacking order than the other, requiring manual reordering (send to back/bring to front) to fix.

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📝 Additional Information Needed

To help us investigate this more effectively, could you please provide:

• draw.io version: The user states 'draw.io version currently used on the web' but does not provide the actual version number from Help->About.
• Collaboration platform details: It's unclear which shared/collaborative storage backend is being used (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive, SharePoint, Confluence). The real-time collaboration mechanism matters for reproducing this issue.
• Reproducible steps (more detail): The steps are vague — 'creates objects that can overlay with others' and 'drag objects those overlayered the objects' are hard to follow. A concrete step-by-step scenario (e.g., User 1 creates rectangle A, then rectangle B on top of A; User 2 drags rectangle B) would help.
• Diagram file: A sample .drawio file that demonstrates the issue would help developers reproduce the z-order inconsistency.

We also have some questions:

• Which collaboration/storage platform are you using (Google Drive, OneDrive, SharePoint, Confluence, etc.)? draw.io's real-time sync behavior differs depending on the backend.
• Can you provide the exact draw.io version number from Help -> About?
• Could you describe the exact sequence of operations more precisely? For example: User 1 creates Shape A, then Shape B on top of A. User 2 then drags Shape B — what happens on each user's screen?
• Are you using draw.io's real-time collaboration feature, or are both users editing the same file saved to a shared cloud drive (where merging happens on save/reload)?
• Does the z-order inconsistency persist after both users refresh/reload the page, or does it resolve itself?

📋 Bug Report Template

**Environment:**
- draw.io version: [e.g., web app / desktop 24.x.x / Confluence plugin]
- Browser (if web): [e.g., Chrome 120, Firefox 121]
- OS: [e.g., Windows 11, macOS 14, Ubuntu 22.04]

**Steps to Reproduce:**
1. Go to ...
2. Click on ...
3. See error

**Expected Behavior:**
What you expected to happen.

**Actual Behavior:**
What actually happened.

**Screenshots/Files:**
If applicable, add screenshots or attach the .drawio file.

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_{🤖 This is an automated response to help with initial triage. A human maintainer will review this issue. If you've provided all the requested information, no further action is needed - we'll get back to you soon!}

[alderg]

Is the "Edge Processing Layer" a group? If you wait 20 seconds (without doing any local changes), does it recover?

[NeoRedcraft]

Is the "Edge Processing Layer" a group?

• No, the large yellow box itself is only the square object where the text "Edge Processing Layer" is. The sub-square objects that are placed inside the large yellow box are their own objects and never grouped into a single object.

If you wait 20 seconds (without doing any local changes), does it recover?

• The people who worked on that shared workplace haven't tried waiting 20 seconds to see if the issue can be fixed. The solution to the confusion of objects' layers getting mixed up is to let only one person work on that particular group of objects. Even though some users will still see the objects' layering is wrong, but that single person working will still see the right one.

[alderg]

Where was the file stored?

[NeoRedcraft]

"Where was the file stored?"

• Google Drive