Changing layer by typing the layer name

[gerbaux]

I'm quite new here.. so i don/t know if it's correct to ask questions here rather that posting tips.. I'm finding a way to change the current layer by typing the layer name itself without the use of any other command. and i want also to change the layer of a certain object by selecting the objects then typing the layer name.

I already got a code from somewhere in the net, but i need to command first LS then type the layername i want to make current.. and it can't change the layer of an object instantly. if you want this code, i can't post it for you guys the original code with the authors name.. thank you in advance...

[Cad64]

This can be done pretty simply by using the code: (setvar "clayer" "Layer1") where "Layer1" is the name of the layer you want to switch to.

A simple routine to do this would be:

(defun c:layer1 ()
(setvar "clayer" "Layer1")
(princ)
)

To activate the command and switch to Layer1, you would just type Layer1 at the command line. This command will only work for this layer though. You would need many of these routines for every layer in your drawing. Is there some reason why you want to work this way, instead of using the layer list box on the "Layers" toolbar?

You can also use the MATCHPROP command, to select an object and match it's properties to another object, or just select the object and then choose the layer you want to move it to, from the layer list box on the "Layers" toolbar.

[gerbaux]

thank you sir for your prompt reply. the reason for this request is because this company im working for is using standard layernames that has 3 characters(1letter and 1-2 numbers).. that is why i feel it's easier if i can just type the layer name to make it active or to change the layer of an object..

[ASMI]

I think:

(defun c:ll(/ lName)
  (if
    (and
      (setq lName(getstring T "\nSpecify layer name: "))
      (tblsearch "LAYER" lName)
      ); end and
    (setvar "CLAYER" lName)
    (princ(strcat "\n<!> Can't to find layer \"" lName "\" <!>"))
    ); end if
  (princ)
  ); end of  c:ll

[gerbaux]

@ASMI

thank you sir for your reply, but from my basic knowledge of LISP, i understand that i need first to issue the command LL before typing the layer name. please correct me if i'm wrong.

thankz again for your time...

[ASMI]

Yes, LL and layer name.

[gerbaux]

Yes, LL and layer name.

sorry sir, but i'm trying to look for a way, to use the layer name directly..

thank you again...

[ASMI]

There isn't problem, look for Cad64 message. I have add several strings to Cad64 lisp:

 
(defun c:0(/ lName) ;CHANGE '0' NAME TO LAYER NAME
  (setvar "CMDECHO" 0)
  (if(tblsearch "LAYER"(setq lName "0")) ;CHANGE "0" TO LAYER NAME
    (progn
    (command "_.clayer" lName)
    (princ(strcat "\n<<< Swiched to \"" lName "\" layer >>>"))
    ); end progn
    (princ(strcat "\n<!> Can't to find layer \"" lName "\" <!>"))
    ); end if
  (setvar "CMDECHO" 0)
  (princ)
  ); end of c:0

It's for "0" layer.

[gerbaux]

thankz sir, i'l try this at home as my office hours ends now.. i'l let you know tomorrow if it worked for me.. thankz!!!!!

[GhostRider]

A few macro or small lisps added to the ACAD.lsp works well for me with standard layernames in my templetes.

Something like this you can set your layers on and off as you like, I have my border and titleblock on 0 , but you can set it anyway you need with as many layers on, off , thawed or frozen, as you like...

(DEFUN C:lyr1 ()
  (COMMAND "-LAYER" "T" "LAYERNAME" "S"
    "LAYERNAME" "F" "*" "T"
    "0,LAYERNAME2,defpoints" "")