automatic separation of layers possible?

[Allen1]

If I'm doing a drawing which contains three layers (or more), is it possible to have three corresponding pre-defined regions in model space which automatically (in real time) ditto ONLY the objects drawn in each of the three respective layers?

This question relates to my work in the custom cabinetry business. We constantly need to design room elevations with complex cabinet designs, and then we have a very tedious and error prone chore of pulling out various elements (the doors, the faceframes, etc.) and applying specific dimension styles to them so that the shop can understand exactly what is to be built. This would seem to be not-so-hard, because you might say that you only need to copy the whole elevation view, and then turn off the extraneous layers. In practice, there are many pitfalls to this option, and having an automatic method would be terrific.

If I'm not clear enough, as an example, let's say you have layers A, B and C. I define a main drawing region (a box) in model space which measures 20' x 10'. This is where I do all my drawing. I also define three other identical-sized drawing areas, calling them A-view, B-view, and C-view. When I draw an A-layer object in my main drawing area, that same object (line, circle, whatever) automatically appears in the A-layer view, but not in B-view or C-view. Same thing if I draw a B-layer object in my main drawing area. It appears in exactly the same position and orientation within the B-view box.

Is anything like this remotely possible?

[PS_Port]

Yes it is possible...
You could create those additional views (drawing areas) in paperspace with viewports looking at the main drawing area in Modelspace
and have the unwanted layers frozen in each viewport.

[Allen1]

okay, that was easy!

I'll play around with that before I post my follow-up question. (I haven't really taken the time to teach myself the benefits of paperspace. I've always just plotted directly from model space. This gives me the motivation to do what I should have done long ago. Thanks!)

[LElkins]

Alternatively, you could create layer filters. or even better, just isolate the layer by typing LAYISO at the command line, then select an object on the layer you wish to remain viewed, all other layers will be hidden. You can then isolate them by typing LAYUNISO.

If memory is correct, I believe this is an express tool, which you will need to be loaded if it is not already.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

[Allen1]

will look into the filtering option.

are dimensions drawn in a paperspace layout (but which do not appear in the model tab) associative to their objects? So if I stretch objects in model space, do the elements also stretch in paperspace and the dimensions along with them? i've been told this is not what happens. does anyone know how to make that work?

Also, if I move objects in model space (shift my whole drawing for example), will the paperspace objects shift away from their paperspace dimensions? this would be a bummer.

[LElkins]

Yes, dimensions should be associative in paperspace with modelspace objects.

Not sure what you mean by your last paragraph though...

[Alan Cullen]

Read up on layer states, that should sort out your layer issues.

You can dimension over a viewport into model space. (but not recommended, as you will get a wrong dimension returned). best to dimension in paper space though an active viewport. But make sure the dimensions are associative.

Yes, if you move the drawing in model space, it will also move in paperspace. A viewport only looks at a particular area of model space (at the scale you specify), if you move that MS drawing, it also moves is PS.