I can not see anyway to add a layer to an xpage, unless the Panel is the same as a layer?
Would like to have a layer that allows you to position design elements anywhere you want using drag and drop and css for positioning.
Subject: Are you asking for absolute positioning in the IDE during layout mode?
Since you can position layers using CSS on the browser, I assume you’re asking about “exact” positioniing during design time in the IDE, correct? Just trying to understand/clarify the question…
Subject: Yes, that’s the kind of thing…
I was hoping I could create a layer, add controls to it and position them with drag and drop, having domino generate the required css positioning in the background. Maybe I’m looking for too much! 
Subject: couple ideas…
A panel is basically a div, so if you want a layer, I’d go with a panel control first. You can also go to source mode on the xpage if you want and use exactly a
as you can put “pure” html on an xpage, too.