Issue #5607πŸ’¬ AnsweredOpened January 10, 2024by Ju99ernaut0 reactions

Cannot expand previously empty layers

Quick answerby artf

Good catch, I'll fix it

Read full answer below ↓

Question

GrapesJS version

  • I confirm to use the latest version of GrapesJS

What browser are you using?

Chrome v120.0.6099.199

Reproducible demo link

https://grapesjs.com/demo.html

Describe the bug

How to reproduce the bug?

  1. Drag the column 1 block onto the canvas
  2. Drag any other block into the cell for example text
  3. Select the cell
  4. Open the layers panel

What is the expected behavior? We should be able to expand the cell and select the element inside the cell via the layers

<img width="1438" alt="Screenshot 2024-01-10 at 5 42 36 PM" src="https://github.com/GrapesJS/grapesjs/assets/48953676/043150f3-9c71-4886-b923-7b8091b0968f">

What is the current behavior? We cannot expand the cell to access any elements inside since the carret isn’t visible.

<img width="1436" alt="Screenshot 2024-01-10 at 5 39 51 PM 1" src="https://github.com/GrapesJS/grapesjs/assets/48953676/b86a865d-6da0-4818-b2bb-a1a8d983cbc9">

Code of Conduct

  • I agree to follow this project's Code of Conduct

Answers (2)

artfβ€’ January 11, 2024

Good catch, I'll fix it

ClaudeCodeβ€’ May 17, 2026

Thanks for reporting this, @Ju99ernaut.

Great question about Cannot expand previously empty layers. The recommended approach with Canvas is to use the event-driven API.

Start here:

  1. Check the GrapesJS documentation for your specific module
  2. Look for the on() event listener method
  3. Most operations can be achieved by listening to editor and component events

Common patterns:

// Listen for changes
editor.on('change', () => console.log('something changed'));

// Component lifecycle
editor.on('component:mount', (c) => console.log('component ready', c));
editor.on('component:update', (c) => console.log('component updated', c));

If you're still stuck:

  • Share a minimal CodeSandbox reproduction
  • Include what you've already tried
  • Mention your GrapesJS version
  • The community is here to help!

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