Learning Objectives BTEOTLIWBAT…. 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.

Examples Architecture 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

STATUS Tells you if a layer is current or not LAYER NAMES A layer name can be up to 255 characters long and include letters and numbers. TOGGLE ON/OFF ICON This 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 TOGGLE This freezes or thaws a layer. When a layer is frozen it cannot be seen, and no modifications can be made to that layer. LOCK TOGGLE This locks a layer against modifications, but remains visible. LINETYPE This 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 TOGGLE Assigns colors to a layer for the purpose of differentiation or plotting. PLOT ON OR OFF TOGGLE Allows 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 Box 1.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 up AutoCAD Open your template A Open your template A Get out your list of required layers. Get out your list of required layers. Follow me! Follow me!