2012

Table Of Contents
Create and Name Layers
You can create and name a new layer for each conceptual grouping (such as
walls or dimensions) and assign common properties to each layer.
By organizing objects into layers, you can control the visibility and object
properties of a large number of objects separately for each layer and make
changes quickly.
NOTE The number of layers that you can create in a drawing and the number of
objects that you can create on each layer are practically unlimited.
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 211.
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.
522 | Chapter 16 Control the Properties of Objects