LAYERS
What are Layers?
- Layers are like drawing on clear plastic where each layer of plastic is a different layer of drawing.
When and why would Layers be used?
- When drawing in CAD you are always drawing on a layer – it may be the default layer.
- Each layer has color, linetype, lineweight (thickness), and plot style that can be set.
- You can use layers to organize your drawing into groups of objects such as linetypes (centerlines, object lines, etc.) or in the case of home design you can have layers like walls, electrical components, plumbing, appliances, roof, furniture, etc.
- You can turn certain layers off (or freeze them) when you no longer need them or when you do not want to print (plot) that layer with the rest.
Creating and Naming Layers?
- Click on the LAYER PROPERTIES button.
- This will open the LAYERS PROPERTIES MANAGER and allow you to create a NEW LAYER.
- You can set a layer name and change the COLOR and LINETYPE as appropriate.
Note: LINETYPES need to be loaded when you want a different type than Continuous.
- Note: The 0 (zero) layer is a special layer that is usually used to draw blocks (items that are used over and over such as a light switch symbol in architectural drawings). When you bring a block in that has been created on the “0” layer it will take on the properties of the layer you are currently working on (the current layer). All drawings have a “0” layer and it can not be renamed or deleted.
- You can turn a layer on or off, freeze or thaw, lock or make them current by using the layers window beside the Layer Properties button.
Turn layers on or off – layer is hidden but continues to regenerate. (This is best to use if you are turn layers on and off often as it is already regenerated.) | |
Freeze or Thaw layers – layer is hidden but does not regenerate, therefore faster redraw speed. (Regenerates when thawed). | |
ONLY VISIBLE IN LAYOUT VIEW - Freeze or Thaw only those layers in the current viewport (when working in 3D drawings) | |
Lock or Unlock a layer (a locked layer is seen but can not be worked on until unlocked – stops accidental changes) | |
Color of Layer – Click the Layer Name to make current (the layer you wish to draw on – you can only work on one layer at a time). |
