Layer

Layers allow you to structure objects according to specific criteria for the display. They are comparable to the functions of CAD programs for showing and hiding individual layers ("levels") in the drawing. The objects that can be managed in layers include not only model objects such as nodes, members, or surfaces, but also guide objects such as dimensioning, comments, or CAD lines.

Using the color and the line design, you can assign specific display properties to each layer. Layers can also be locked so that objects are not accidentally moved or deleted.

Layer for objects of a staircase tower with ancillary building

Layer Manager

The layers are managed in the Layer Manager. There, you can create new layers, toggle the visibility for layers, or lock the editing of a layer.

Use one of the following options to open the Layer Manager:

• Double-click an entry in the Guide Objects → Layers category in the Navigator - Data.
• Click the button in the toolbar.
• Use the View → Layer Manager menu.

Layer Manager

In the Navigator, only the 'All Layers' entry is usually available. If you have created Layer Groups, these are also displayed. The subentries allow you to manage the layers specifically: The table only lists the layers of the selected layer group.

Table

The table not only provides a compilation of all layers, but also control options for the display. The individual columns have the following meanings:

Buttons

The buttons in the Layer Manager toolbar have the following functions:

Button	Function
	Creates a new layer group (see chapter Layer Groups)
	Allows you to rename the selected layer group
	Deletes the selected layer group
	Deletes all layer groups
	Creates a new layer
	Sets the selected entry as the current layer (alternative: click in the 'Current' column)
	Deletes the selected layer
	Deletes all layers
	Activates the visibility for all layers
	Hides all layers
	Locks all layers (objects cannot be edited)
	Unlocks all layers
	Allows you to display the objects marked in the table as a selection in the graphic
	Allows you to display the objects selected in the graphic highlighted in the table
	Displays the invisible objects transparently or not at all
	Displays the objects in the colors of the layers (see section Rendering)

Assigning Objects to a Layer

To manage objects in layers, you can proceed as follows:

1. Create one or more layers in the Layer Manager using the button.
2. Enter appropriate designations and check the preset parameters such as color or line representation.
3. Select the objects in the work window that you want to assign to a layer.
4. In the toolbar, select the relevant layer from the list. You can also specify the layer in the Object Properties panel.

Assign objects to a layer

The assigned objects are indicated in the Layer Manager with symbols for nodes, members, surfaces, etc. (see image Layer Manager).

New objects are always assigned to the current layer. This layer is marked with the symbol in the Layer Manager.

Toolbar

In the toolbar of the work window, you have several setting options for the layers.

Toolbar with Features for Layers

The field shows the current layer. In the list, you can select another layer and set it as current. The change is synchronized with the Layer Manager: This layer receives the symbol.

You can – as described above – select objects and assign them to a specific layer via the list. The symbols before the layer designation indicate whether the current layer is visible or locked.

The buttons have the following functions:

Button	Function
	Hides or shows the selected layer
	Locks or unlocks the selected layer
	Jumps to the row of the selected layer in the Layer Manager for adjustments

Rendering

Each layer is automatically assigned a color. However, you can also adjust the colors:

1. Double-click a color in the table of the Layer Manager.
2. In the Select Layer Color dialog, define the appropriate color.

Set layer color

In order for the objects to be displayed in the layer colors, a corresponding setting for the display is required. These colors can be activated in two ways:

• Layer Manager button in the toolbar for displaying objects in material or layer color
• Navigator - Display: Colors of Rendered Objects by → Layer category

Display Objects in Layer Colors

In the control panel, you can check the colors that are assigned to the objects in each visible layer.