# activeLayout

> The layout that the system displays an Overlay in.

## Definition

* **Type:** Property
* **Namespace:** [UnityEditor.Overlays](/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unityeditor/overlays.md)
* **Assembly:** UnityEditor.CoreModule

```csharp
protected Layout activeLayout { get; }
```

### Remarks

If the preferred layout specified in [Overlay.layout](/engine/6000.7/script-reference/unityeditor/overlays/overlay/layout.md) cannot be used, then the system uses another layout. For example, if the preferred layout is `Panel`, an Overlay in a  horizontal toolbar cannot use the preferred layout. The active layout in this case is Horizontal. This property is read-only.