2012

Choose Layer Names Carefully
A layer name can include up to 255 characters (double-byte or alphanumeric):
letters, numbers, spaces, and several special characters. Layer names cannot
include the following characters:
< > / \ “ : ; ? * | = ‘
In many cases, the layer names you choose are dictated by corporate, industry,
or client standards.
The Layer Properties Manager sorts layers alphabetically by name. If you
organize your own layer scheme, choose layer names carefully. Use common
prefixes to name layers with related drawing components, this makes it easier
to locate and manipulate groups of layers at a time.
NOTE If you consistently use a specific layering scheme, you can set up a drawing
template with layers, linetypes, and colors already assigned. For more information
about creating templates, see Use a Drawing Template File on page 195.
Copy Layers from Another Drawing
You can use DesignCenter
™
to copy layers from any drawing to another by
dragging. For example, you might have a drawing that contains all the standard
layers needed for a project. You can create a new drawing and use DesignCenter
to drag the predefined layers to the new drawing, which saves you time and
ensures consistency between drawings.
You can also drag layers or copy layers by double-clicking or by clicking Insert
on the shortcut menu.
NOTE You need to resolve duplicate layer names before you drag layers from
DesignCenter.
Select a Layer to Draw On
As you draw, newly created objects are placed on the current layer. The current
layer may be the default layer (0) or a layer you create and name yourself. You
switch from one layer to another by making a different layer current; any
subsequent objects you create are associated with the new current layer and
use its color, linetype, and other properties. You cannot make a layer the
current layer if it is frozen or if it is an xref-dependent layer.
Remove Layers
You can remove unused layers from your drawing with PURGE or by deleting
the layer from the Layer Properties Manager. You can delete only unreferenced
388 | Chapter 15 Control the Properties of Objects