How can I copy and paste blocks to another layer

[sunitmody]

I want to create a new layer with objects from a few different layers while also keeping those original layers. I can use copytolayer but it doesn't work for my "furniture" layer (I.e. it pastes all the objects from other layers except those from the "furniture" layer). I think it has to do with the "furniture" layer comprising of blocks. What can I do?

 

Thanks,

[Dana W]

Is the furniture layer locked? What makes you think the blocks are not being moved to the layer? Are the colors not changing?

 

If a block is not created on layer 0 (zero) their properties will not change when moved to another layer, even though they are on that layer. A block will retain the layer properties of the layer they were created on even though they are not on that layer any more.

 

Also, the elements of the blocks may have individual property assignments other than "By Layer".

 

To know what layer they are really on, you can check the properties window.

 

Another way to move objects to a different layer is, select them, then click the layer dropdown on the layers tab and select the destination layer from there.

[sunitmody]

Is the furniture layer locked? What makes you think the blocks are not being moved to the layer? Are the colors not changing?

 

The furniture layer is not locked. I'm essentially trying to create a copy of the furniture layer. However all the objects in that layer are all blocks. What I've been trying to do is create a new layer then use copytolayer and my goal is to get an exact copy of the furniture layer. When I initially did that...nothing shows up in the new layer.

 

Another way to move objects to a different layer is, select them, then click the layer dropdown on the layers tab and select the destination layer from there.

 

I tried to change the layer from the properties menu but that also did nothing. They still show up on the furniture layer but not on my new layer. But keep in mind that I'm not just trying to transfer the blocks, I'm trying to create a copy of the blocks in another layer.

 

The only success I've had so far is exploding the blocks and then I can copytolayer into my new layer...but now they're individual pieces and not grouped into blocks anymore! Frustrating!

 

Any suggestions?

Edited April 2, 2014 by sunitmody

[Dana W]

I just realized what I typed in this post was completely wrong so I edited it all out and wrote something that does make a little sense. I hope nobody read it before I got rid of it.

 

I just tested copytolayer with a block on my program and it worked fine. There must be something different about your blocks that i am just not thinking of yet.

 

It should work fine. Maybe one of the experts will jump in here. Don't get insulted, I don't mean to do that but, by any chance, are you copying them right on top of the original entities? I just did that and thought it didn't work for me

 

Can you post the drawing so we can mess around inside of it?

Edited April 2, 2014 by Dana W

[sunitmody]

I just realized what I typed in this post was completely wrong so I edited it all out and wrote something that does make a little sense. I hope nobody read it before I got rid of it.

No worries!

 

are you copying them right on top of the original entities? I just did that and thought it didn't work for me

I don't quite follow. I copytolayer it and then I choose the new layer to copy to and then I hit enter. I also tried this by creating a new drawing with blocks and it works...not sure why it doesn't for this particular drawing.

 

Can you post the drawing so we can mess around inside of it?

I'm not allowed to . It's for work.

[Dana W]

What I do is type Copytolayer. >ENTER Then I select the object on layer AA, then type Name >ENTER and am presented with the layer list. I select layer BB, click OK, then click a base point, then click an insertion point. Being done, I hit ESC to end the command.

 

What I did that made me think it didn't work was, one - both layers were the same color, and two - I accidentally pasted/inserted right on top of my original object, so it looked like nothing happened.

 

I don't think any of that has anything to do with why your blocks are not being copied to the new layer. There is some property of either the blocks or the copy from layer that is getting in the way, and I can't even guess yet.

 

Hopefully someone else will take an interest and bring an answer. I don't know it, yet.

Edited April 3, 2014 by Dana W

[RobDraw]

I've got a guess. It is working but the objects within the blocks are not changing layer. I've got something that might work for you. Copy the objects to your clipboard for pasting as is later. Instead of making the changes directly to the objects (that are left in the drawing) make the changes to the layer(s) directly. Then paste the originals. They will still be on the layer(s) that they were on when you copied them.