layers questions

[jelston]

1. Is there a way to hide all the items on a drawing sheet all at once (instead of choosing view 1, hide; view 2, hide; etc.)


2. My layers are being "grouped" automatically, how is this done/how do i control it.

 

[gkbeer]

1) By default the layer status of views are controlled by the layer status of the drawing. But using the pulldown to select a specific view before changing the layers status causes the views layer status's to be disconnected from the overall drawing layer status's.

A view's layer status can be reconnected by selecting a view and choosing, VIEW>VISIBILITY>DRAWING DEPENDENT.

2) "Grouped?" Layers in the tree, are grouped by their names. It's supposed to do that.

When one of those groups is expanded, you will see each of the models listed that contain a layer by the same name. You may also see the name of the drawing, if the drawing has had that layer created in it.

Layers created in the drawing are useful. They can control the layer status of all the model's layers independent of how they are set in the model. Best of it is, that it won't matter if the layers in the model are deleted and recreated. The layers in the drawing will reassert their control next time the drawing is opened. This control is only asserted in the drawing. The model when opened will have the status that was stored with the model.

Edited by: gkbeer

 

[jelston]

I understand the answer to number 1, thanks.


Number 2, i probably should re-phrase. How do i control the automatic CREATION of the layers?

 

[Guest]

You control it with the config.pro option def_layer. You specify a type-option and layername. When you create a feature of that type the layer will be created and the feature is put on the layer. In the Help under the Fundamentals>Working with the Model>Layers>Default Layers you will find the syntax and type options.

 

[gkbeer]

Automatic creation?? For new models or existing?

For new, put the layers in your start part and assembly.

For existing models, def_layer won't work. Fortunately if you create the desired layers in the top assembly, there is an Extend Layers function that will "automatically" copy those layers into all submodels.

A set of mapkeys for creating layers is always handy. Creating such is discussed in the "Mastering Layers Q&A" thread.

PS. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "Controlling the automatic creation of layers". What kind of control are you looking for?




Edited by: gkbeer

 

[kdem]

Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm new to working with layers, but the option def_layer will work in exsting models but only with the creation ofnew features.

 

[audctrl]

I agree, build the functionality into your start part and start assembly file. Using the same layer scheme for both even better. Another thing you could do is create a mapkey that deletes all layers of a part and creates new layersthat match the start files. So whenyou have to use older parts or external data you can apply your layering scheme.


The mapkey can get kind of long depending on how many layers you use and if you set up layer rules too. I'll run my mapkey, sit back and watch the machine do all the work. Kind of funny sometimes seeing all the action taking place on the screen and I have my hands on my head as someone walks by. They will ask what I'm doing to which I say something smart like running the computer telepathicly.

 

[gkbeer]

Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm new to working with layers, but the option def_layer will work in exsting models but only with the creation ofnew features.

True! That is a much more accurate way of stating what I intended.

Edited by: gkbeer