Newbie to forum, layer question?

[CADken]

Hello everyone!!

Im having a layer issue...

Here's my problem:

1. I just started working for this new company as the one and only draftsman here, no one beside myself has any CAD experience what-so-ever, and this is the main reason why i'm here :) The previous CAD person never made uniform layers for each job, they just created layers as they went along... and my problem is, i want to create a set of layers i can use for each job.

Anyway, we are a Concrete Design company that specializes in making new concrete patios and such around pools and all that fun stuff. So i need to have layers for exist patio/deck/pools and layers for the newly propsed patio/deck/pools... my other delema is the previous company i worked for had already set-up my CAD to their standards, so this is all a new experience for me and i'm stressing out over trying to crete different layers and such that will work for me here...

Well, if anyone can give me some sort of guidence i'd greatly appreciate it... and i have plenty more questions brewing in the pot as well...

thanks

[Galingula]

Controlling layering is what makes you a cad manager.

This software is great. It's cheap, and comes with loads of layers already in it.

http://www.archmedia.net/html/autolayer.html

You can add layers and control the linetypes and colors with it. When it's installed, users add a layer to the drawing by picking it from an easy on the eyes list. If they're picking from the list they can't screw up the layer standards.

While this comes with scads of standard layers already in it, you can add your new/exist layers for pool, patio, deck, whatever. They layering name standard is AIA, so you're compatible with most people right out of the box, and by looking at the list of existing layers you'll have a good idea how to name new ones according to the AIA standard.

Also, it's very easy to print off all the layers and standards to paper for subs or just an archive. Or you can take it with you to your next job. Its based on just *.txt files, so you're good to go.

And it's cheap.
Good luck

[CADken]

awesome awesome awesome...

that helps a lot! i'm gunna try the software and most likely buy it for myself, or just bring it up in the next office meeting and have the company buy it... but thanks a million!

[Galingula]

I don't normally use add ons or third party stuff, heck, I won't allow lisps or anything, our people couldn't handle them. This thing is idiot proof, and quite useful.

Plus the first guys review on the home page was well spelled and nice, nudge nudge