Blocks on Layer 0

Pardon me if this subject has been covered previously.

What is the general feeling about building blocks on layer 0 then using the layer controls to change the colors etc. after they are dropped into a particular layer?

In other words, I like to build a block labled "sample location" on layer 0 then depending on the layer it is placed in, it can be either red or blue (based on the test results).

I print out my drawings on letter sized paper in color.

Most of the time, my background image is a monochrome or greyscale tiff or a jpeg of a scanned in drawing.

Sometimes I will get a nice cad file to work with. with these drawings, I turn off all the extraneous layers that i don't need, and reset the layer colors to black and white. Often, though, the doors and windows are blocks on separate layers that I have to then modify to change the colors.

Generally, the objects inside my blocks are on Layer 0 with Color, Linetype, and Lineweight set to ByLayer. Using this method, the blocks are fully controlled by the layer settings. Depending on the user's needs, ByBlock may be preferable. For my purposes, the only time I don't use Layer 0 + ByLayer is when I need to be able to control hidden lines within blocks, in that case, I will assign a layer to the hidden lines.

A block that is constructed on layer "0" will automatically take on the color of the layer it is inserted on. There should be no need to go back and change the color using what you refer to as "layer controls". It's not like it is going to be inserted as white (the color of layer "0") or some color that is not assigned to the layer.

A block that is constructed on layer "0" will automatically take on the color of the layer it is inserted on. There should be no need to go back and change the color using what you refer to as "layer controls". It's not like it is going to be inserted as white (the color of layer "0") or some color that is not assigned to the layer.

The issue comes up when I receive drawings created by others (usually the AOR).

In these cases, the window and door blocks are almost always created in their own layers.

 

In these cases, the window and door blocks are almost always created in their own layers.

Are you familiar with the SETBYLAYER command?

Generally, the objects inside my blocks are on Layer 0 with Color, Linetype, and Lineweight set to ByLayer. Using this method, the blocks are fully controlled by the layer settings. Depending on the user's needs, ByBlock may be preferable. For my purposes, the only time I don't use Layer 0 + ByLayer is when I need to be able to control hidden lines within blocks, in that case, I will assign a layer to the hidden lines.

I have never understood how the "By Block" control works. it's not well documented in the help file

Are you familiar with the SETBYLAYER command?

No.

I'm using 2007 (at the moment, I hope to convince the PTB to upgrade me soon.)

We usually cannot control what we are sent by others. Therein lies the problem.

I have never understood how the "By Block" control works. it's not well documented in the help file

If you do the exercise described in this link, you should have a good grasp of the difference.

http://www.cad-notes.com/2009/08/layer-0-bylayer-and-byblock/

If you do the exercise described in this link, you should have a good grasp of the difference.

 

http://www.cad-notes.com/2009/08/layer-0-bylayer-and-byblock/

Thanks. now I get it.

What is the general feeling about building blocks on layer 0 then using the layer controls to change the colors etc. after they are dropped into a particular layer?

 

It is a good practice in my opinion.