AutoCAD layers

[nscherneck]

Hello,

Ive been thinking about how i use the layer menu in AutoCAD. I come from a graphic design background and recently made the transition to CAD. Ive put alot of time in using the Adobe application (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.) and i personally feel Adobe as done a far better job with the management of layers.

Does anyone agree that hitting a drop-down box to access your layers is cumbersome? I know you can open to a larger window to access the layers all at once but that process seems to tax the computer system. Not sure why, and yes my system is new and fast.

What about sub-layers? Folders for layers? The ability to select all objects on a layer with a simple click?

Are there plans to improve the layer menu? Am i the only one who would like to see development?

Thanks for reading,
Nathan

[ReMark]

How does Adobe manage layers? What would you like to see AutoDesk do? If you have input then share it with us. You can also join an AutoCAD Users Group and campaign for an improved layer command. They submit a "wish list" to AutoDesk each year. Maybe your concerns are shared by others. Enlighten us.

[CADTutor]

As a user of both AutoCAD and Photoshop, I absolutely agree with you. I really like to ability to create layer folders in Photoshop and it would be nice to see that find its way into AutoCAD. By contrast, Autodesk have focused on the use of layer filters and states. They are both very powerful tools and with some practice, you will find them very useful.

Layer management in AutoCAD is always problematic and to be fair, it's a much more complex affair than with Photoshop where there is a simple visual heirarchy. Frankly, I object to the term "layers" because I think it is confusing, especially for those who have come from Photoshop where the analogy is simple. The term "categories" might be a more accurate way to describe AutoCAD layers.

The bottom line is that the two things are not the same and therefore you need different tools to deal with them.

[StykFacE]

i would take a little bit of both..... i use lots of command prompt layer management, and it's far more efficient than either Adobe or AutoCAD Layer Dialog Box. but yes, i wish you could arrange them much like Photoshop..... good post.

[nscherneck]

How does Adobe manage layers? What would you like to see AutoDesk do? If you have input then share it with us. You can also join an AutoCAD Users Group and campaign for an improved layer command. They submit a "wish list" to AutoDesk each year. Maybe your concerns are shared by others. Enlighten us.

ReMark, if you can get your hands on a copy of Photoshop or Illustrator CS you can get an idea of how Adobe has done a great job with the visual organization of its layers.


Autodesk have focused on the use of layer filters and states.

CADTutor, youre right, Autodesk has more complexity within the functionality of AutoCAD layers. But i guess what i would like to see is better organization. The bottom line is that i, like many others, strive for speed when drafting. I find that i slow down the most when working with layers. Of course this has to do with my limited knowledge of layer commands but i think improved visual organization can help users like myself.

Also, i mentioned before that i would like to be able to select everything on a specific layer. I love that about the Adobe software. Is this possible in AutoCAD? This would be very useful when receiving a file from another company, you could easily strip the drawing of the things you dont need and then discard the layers you dont need. I find myself retaining unwanted layers because they still have objects in the drawing. This occurs even when i cant locate the objects anywhere.

Thank you guys for participating in this topic and sorry for the tangent.

[Cad64]

Also, i mentioned before that i would like to be able to select everything on a specific layer. I love that about the Adobe software. Is this possible in AutoCAD? This would be very useful when receiving a file from another company, you could easily strip the drawing of the things you dont need and then discard the layers you dont need. I find myself retaining unwanted layers because they still have objects in the drawing. This occurs even when i cant locate the objects anywhere.

An easy way to select everything on a layer would be to use the QSELECT command. You can also use the Express Tools LAYISO command to isolate a selected layer. LAYUNISO to bring everything back. LAYWALK will allow you to step through your layers one at a time to view what is on each one.

[uuubij]

Fine to All
I am a New Member and Cad User
Any one can Help me to Manage Layers?

[Cad64]

Hi uuubij,
The answer to your question is yes, but you need to be more specific. What exactly are you having trouble with? What layer management issues are you having? We will be happy to assist you.:D

Also, when you need help, it would be better for you to post a new question in the forum, rather than tacking one on at the end of someone elses. You will get a better, faster response that way.:)

[nscherneck]

Cad64,

I tried the LAYISO command and it was not recognized. Im not familiar with Express Tools. What is it and how can i get it installed into my AutoCAD? Is it compatible with 2006?

Thanks,
Nathan

[f700es]

Cad64,

I tried the LAYISO command and it was not recognized. Im not familiar with Express Tools. What is it and how can i get it installed into my AutoCAD? Is it compatible with 2006?

Thanks,
Nathan

Nathan, it is on your install CD. Put it back in and look on the splash screen for install Express Tools. This will add a lot of useful tools. Good luck.

[nscherneck]

i dont see anything on the spalsh screen or anywhere within that refers to Express Tools.

[Cad64]

Do you have the full version or LT?

[nscherneck]

Ok i see. I have the full version. I just installed on a new workstation last night and saw where to check for the installation of Express Tools. Now can i go back to a workstation that has ACAD already installed an just add Express Tools?

[BITDRAUGHTY]

try typing express tools in your command line and if they have been installed they should become recognisable then right click on the top of screen(on a blank part of you tool bar) and select express tools this should get your express tool bar icons on the screen.

hope this helps