How do YOU use layers?

plot-paris · 8 Apr 2008, 15:12

how do you work with layers?

I myself have a very strict philosophy: I draw everything in default layer0 and never change the active layer. when I am finished creating an element (for example a window frame), pack it into a group or component. and not until that moment I start moving them into different layers to organise my model.
that has one simple reason (that I had to find out with a lot of trial and error). if you draw lines in different layers and accidentally draw the lines of the roof in the wall-layer. afterwards create a component and move it into the roof layer. if you now hide layer roof, the appropriate piece of structure will become invisible. but if you now hide the wall-layer, your roof will vanish again (the roof-component may still be visible, the lines within the component however are hidden).

what are your habits of working with layers? and how good do they work for you?
it would be really interesting to hear different approaches of organising a drawing.

twharvey · 8 Apr 2008, 16:11

Hi Jacob,

Your question is interesting. My approach is almost the opposite. I use layers a lot when putting together the the components of the model. I find it easier to keep track of the faces and lines that way. Then, as the model comes together, I dump the various layers into Layer 0. I have had some problems with using distortion tools in one layer that effect another layer: View Hidden Lines helps to spot these right away. I also need to use the Intersect with Model a lot to get all the lines to work togethr properly.

I hope we see more of this type of technical discussion.

Tom

twharvey · 8 Apr 2008, 16:12

I appologise; it should have been "Jakob"

plot-paris · 8 Apr 2008, 16:19

oh yes, the intersect tool is definitely one of my favourites. sometimes (for example, if you have an imported terrain model) it is the universal cure to get all faces closed. especially the possibility of "intersect SELECTED" is great, for it gives you perfect control over what is supposed to be intersected.

Edson · 8 Apr 2008, 17:56

jakob,

i do basically as you do. always draw on layer 0. as soon as i start drawing something i group it or create a component. when it is ready i assign a layer to it. layers work for me as visualisation tools.

it is like a mantra to me: layer0-group/component-put in layer,
layer0-group/component-put in layer,
layer0-group/component-put in layer,
layer0-group/component-put in layer,
layer0-group/component-put in layer...

dylan · 8 Apr 2008, 18:30

Draw everything in Layer 0.
Create groups and components.
Use Layers to control visibility.

plot-paris · 9 Apr 2008, 08:14

great, it seems that working like that
(draw in layer0 - group/component geometry - put these into different layers)
is the "right" or most sensible way - if you all use to stick to that procedure.

now I am reassured that it is a good thing to hammer that "modus operandi" into my colleagues

solo · 9 Apr 2008, 08:28

When I start a project I first create a folder in my Components library with the projects name, then I open two instances of SU. One instance is labeled with project name and other is untitled. I use the untitled instance for building components in layer 0 then saving as a component in the project folder that's in the Components folder, I do not copy + paste into project instance I rather import from Components into project instance and assign a layer when imported.

Gaieus · 9 Apr 2008, 08:46

I also try to keep myself to the same rules as you, Jakob.

There is one important thing (that I would not call a bug but rather an illogical and annoying feature) that you should always keep in mind not to mess up your model: when you model something on Layer 0 > then group (make component) and move to another layer (the primitive geometry within the group/component still being on Layer 0) > and then for some reason you need to explode the group/component, all the primitives will remain on the layer the group/component was (i.e. NOT on Layer 0 where they used to be).

A workaround is: when having exploded the group/component, all its geometry is still selected. Now quickly right click > Entity info > and assign everything back to Layer 0.

I hope keeping this in mind will help to prevent annoyances in the future.

juju · 9 Apr 2008, 09:12

@unknownuser said:

Draw everything in Layer 0.
Create groups and components.
Use Layers to control visibility.

ditto

Edson · 9 Apr 2008, 10:39

@gaieus said:

...and then for some reason you need to explode the group/component, all the primitives will remain on the layer the group/component was (i.e. NOT on Layer 0 where they used to be).

A workaround is: when having exploded the group/component, all its geometry is still selected. Now quickly right click > Entity info > and assign everything back to Layer 0.

very useful. i had not noticed it yet. perhaps this is the origin of some baffling problems in the past.

plot-paris · 9 Apr 2008, 16:02

thanks Gaieus. that did really confuse me lately, when I suddenly found primitive geometry in the wrong layer. now I know, that it was not (or at least only indirectly) my fault

smileychirk · 9 Apr 2008, 18:31

It is possible to change all the layer colours to textures.

So, using 'colour by layer' option in styles it is possible to retexture the whole model without touching a single polygon.

Taking it further, coincidental groups and components (with different textures) can be swapped in and out using layers and scenes.

This technique allows a quick comparison of appropriate textures.

Smiley

Daniel · 9 Apr 2008, 23:39

I usually model everything in the default layer 0, but always put cars, people, and trees in their own layers so they can be turned off while modeling other things.

Mr S · 10 Apr 2008, 09:24

@daniel said:

I usually model everything in the default layer 0, but always put cars, people, and trees in their own layers so they can be turned off while modeling other things.

ditto