Overview

The most frequently used tool for getting organized is the layering feature. Layers let you sort parts of your drawing into categories. For example, in a typical architectural floor plan, you can have one layer for the walls, another for doors, and yet another for cabinets. You can create other layers for existing conditions if the plan contains renovation work, or you can include electrical and heating diagrams. You can then turn layers on or off so that your drawing displays only the data you need at any given time. You can set layers to have color and line weights, and objects will inherit those properties. You can even have layers visible on your screen but not have them print. This feature can be useful if you have a lot of layout information you need to keep with your drawing.

In this chapter, you ll learn how to create and manipulate layers and how objects interact with layers.

• Creating and Assigning Layers

• Setting the Current Layer

• Controlling Layer Visibility

• Locking Layers from Printing and Editing

• Finding the Layers You Want

• Taming an Unwieldy List of Layers

• Saving and Recalling Layer Settings

• Layers II Toolbar for Managing Layers

• Organizing Visual Content through Properties

Creating and Assigning Layers

You use the Layer Properties Manager dialog box to create and edit layers. When you are just starting a drawing, especially a complex one, you will probably spend a lot of time in this dialog...