Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Keeping Track of Layers and Blocks
Imagine a filing system that has only one category into which you put all your records. For only
a handful of documents, such a filing system might work. However, as soon as you start to accu-
mulate more documents, you would want to start separating them into meaningful categories,
perhaps alphabetically or by their use, so you could find them more easily.
The same is true for drawings. If you have a simple drawing with only a few objects, you can
get by without using layers. But as soon as your drawing gets the least bit complicated, you'll
want to start sorting your objects into layers to keep track of what's what. Layers don't restrict
you when you're editing objects such as blocks or groups, and you can set up layers so that you
can easily identify which object belongs to which layer.
In this chapter, you'll learn how to create and use layers to keep your drawings organized.
You'll learn how color can play an important role while you're working with layers, and you'll
also learn how to include linetypes such as dashes and center lines through the use of layers.
In this chapter, you'll learn to do the following:
Organize information with layers
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Control layer visibility
Keep track of blocks and layers
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Organizing Information with Layers
You can think of layers as overlays on which you keep various types of information (see Figure 5.1).
In a floor plan of a building, for example, you want to keep the walls, ceiling, plumbing fixtures,
wiring, and furniture separate so that you can display or plot them individually or combine them
in different ways. It's also a good idea to keep notes and reference symbols, as well as the drawing's
dimensions, on their own layers. As your drawing becomes more complex, you can turn the vari-
ous layers on and off to allow easier display and modification.
For example, one of your consultants might need a plot of just the dimensions and walls,
without all the other information; another consultant might need only a furniture layout. Using
manual drafting, you would have to redraw your plan for each consultant or use overlay drafting
techniques, which can be cumbersome. With AutoCAD, you can turn off the layers you don't need
and plot a drawing containing only the required information. A carefully planned layering scheme
helps you produce a document that combines the types of information needed in each case.
Using layers also lets you modify your drawings more easily. For example, suppose you have
an architectural drawing with separate layers for the walls, the ceiling plan, and the floor plan.
If any change occurs in the wall locations, you can turn on the ceiling plan layer to see where
the new wall locations will affect the ceiling and then make the proper adjustments.
