What Are Layer States in CAD Drawings?
Working with a file with multiple layers can be time-consuming, especially if we frequently have to enable and disable multiple layers. Even if this drop-down menu is helping us. It is clear that, as we move forward in such a project, we will have to frequently activate and deactivate layers, or groups of layers. For example, to separate those that are related to nature, from others like the layers related to the buildings of this project.
ARES Commander allows us to save the properties of the layers, in what is called “LAYER STATES”. From the LAYER STATES MANAGER box, we can create a new state with a custom name. Now, we edit the new layer state. In the edit dialog box, we will choose to make visible all layers related to vegetation.
Hiding Layers
We want the remaining layers to stay hidden. It is simply to enable or disable layers according to the mentioned criteria. And finally, we select a layer and make it the active layer. Still, pay attention here which layer is currently active. In our layer state, we configured a different one. Press Ok and we close. As you can see, the active layer remains the one that was active before … At the same time, we can check in the drop-down layers that are all active. Now, if we want to work only with the vegetation of this project, we can return to layer states. Select the VEGETATION layer state and press ACTIVATE. This changes the active layer, as well as the layers that are visible or hidden, according to our predefined configuration. In this way, we can combine the elements of the project, and configure the visualization of these, in the way that best suits us to work on the CAD project.
Creating Another Layer State
Now, we are going to create another Layer State, where we only want to show the layers related to the bungalows of this project. In turn, the layer “BUNGALOW” will become our active layer. Press OK and close. Within layer states, we select vegetation and activate it, to remember the result we will get. Then enter again in Layer State, we select the layer state called “BUNGALOWS” and activate it. It’s that easy…
To learn more about the commands and options offered by ARES Commander, do not hesitate to visit the extensive help offered by the program or our many other tutorial videos.
