Using layers

Computer Aided Design (CAD) has some specific features compared with hand-drawing. Quite beneficial opportunities arise using Layers. Object’s properties (color, linetype, lineweight) may be assigned individually to each object or grouped by belonging to a particular Layer (ByLayer). Layers are like transparent overlays on which we organize and group objects in a drawing. We can use Layers to control the visibility of objects and to assign properties to objects. Layers can be locked to prevent objects from being modified. Layer Properties Manager informs us about layers’ parameters and allows to change these values. We can change the name of a layer and any of its properties, including color and linetype and you can reassign objects from one layer to another. We can control which layer names are listed in the Layer Properties Manager and sort them by name or by property, such as color or visibility. We can save Layer settings as named layer states. We can then restore, edit, import them from other drawings and files, and export them for use in other drawings. Which number of Layers is optimal? The answer depends on several considerations – using every Layer should be adequately argumented. The skilled use of Layers can turn the construction process into a more flexible and rational one. But adding any new Layer must be justified. Otherwise, some uncomfortable problems could arise.