Creating Layers in AutoCAD

Learning ObjectivesBTEOTLIWBAT….•Set up layers and assign colors and line types to

them.•Load different line types needed for the

templates.• Identify and use the toggles found on the Layers

toolbar.

LAYERS DEFINED Defined….• The concept of layers can be

best explained by using the concept of overlays in manual drafting, or by using transparencies for presentations.

Advantages…• Layers can be assigned

colors.• Layers are useful for some

editing operations.• You can turn off or freeze

layers you do not want displayed or plotted.

• You can lock layers to prevent them from being changed or edited.

• You can use layers to distinguish different groups.

ExamplesArchitecture• T24 and General Notes can

be placed onto a separate layer making revising easier.

• Can you think of another

example?

• We can create floorplans and then use layers to draw the plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.

Mechanical • We can create a layer

containing the main components of an assembly and then use layers for nuts, bolts, keys and washers.

• Can you think of another

example?

• We can also place dimensions on a layer so they can be turned off if used to develop path codes for CNC machines.

Review from Reading… Setting up layers

NEW LAYER TAB

Next to the Control Window

STATUSTells you if a layer is current or not

LAYER NAMESA layer name can be up to 255 characters long and include letters and numbers.

TOGGLE ON/OFF ICONThis toggles a layer off and on. When a layer is turned on it can be seen on the graphic screen and can be printed. When it is off, it is not seen, nor printed.

FREEZE OR THAW TOGGLEThis freezes or thaws a layer. When a layer is frozen it cannot be seen, and no modifications can be made to that layer.

LOCK TOGGLEThis locks a layer against modifications, but remains visible.

LINETYPEThis allows you to choose different line type according to the layer need. (Example a hidden line can be assigned to layer specifically for hidden information.)

COLOR TOGGLEAssigns colors to a layer for the purpose of differentiation or plotting.

PLOT ON OR OFF TOGGLEAllows you to determine if the layer is a printable layer or not.

Loading Different Line types

To load linetypes, Left Click on the linetype in the current layer to open the Linetype Manager.

Linetype Management Box1. Click Load to add more line

types to your layout.2. The Load dialog box will

appear. 3. Scroll down using the mouse

wheel or the side marker or type in the line type.

4. Select the desired line type and click on OK.

5. The line type will now appear in your Line Type Manager

6. Repeat this process for each line type needed.

The Control Window on the Layers Toolbar

You can use the toggles without opening the manager box. Through the Control Window, pull down the layers list and select the needed toggle. Or you can click on the layer to set it current.

Select a Toggle

LESSON REVIEW•Where is the button on the tool bar that opens

the Layers Manager? And what does it look like?

•Can you name one advantage to creating layers?

•Can you explain briefly how to load a new line type?

Lets do this together…

•Open up AutoCAD•Open your template A•Get out your l ist of required layers. •Fol low me!