topic Changing layers of multiple element types at once. in Project data & BIM

Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Arcadia — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:45:54 GMT

Why can't I change the layers of a whole group of different elements at once? Example: I import a CAD file supplied by a client that has a bunch of layers I don't need so I want to combine them all to my 'CAD import layer'. If I select everything in the drawing and select the destination layer it changes things only one element at a time ie lines, fills, poly lines, dimensions etc so I have to do the whole thing over and over again till they are all in the right layer and the only way I can tell when I have achieved this is to have the destination layer switched off so that I eventually end up with all the CAD elements hidden. I just want to grab a bunch of elements sometime and dropp them all into a particular layer with one action.

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Brett Brown — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:39:09 GMT

Ditto, I have had this problem continually. Love an answer or a quicker work around to.

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 21:51:44 GMT

Use the Edit Selection Set button - little hammer top left of image. Change all elements' layers at once.

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Brett Brown — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:08:23 GMT

Exactly how i do it Stuart, Never works

P.S. Probably works in 11 Stuart but many things have gone backwards in 13

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:32:02 GMT

Something else to keep in mind. It seems that you can't change the layer of elements not on the current layer,to the current layer. The first element selected will set the current layer. Select one element that is not on the layer you want it to be, this will set that layer current. Then shift select everything else and follow S2arts advice. This is handy if you have a bunch of things that are already where they belong and you don't have to pick and choose. Should work fine.

Hope it makes sense cause I can't think of another way to explain it!

Doug

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Arcadia — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:35:57 GMT

Well I just tried it Stuart and it works for me I hadn't realized or had forgotten about changing layers using this method. Thanks.

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 22:46:35 GMT

Tried it in 12 and 13. Seems to work fine.

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:41:26 GMT

I find that if you have things on the layer you want all of the selection to be on (i.e. correct layer is shown as current, the layer of the last selected element) just select any other layer, then select correct layer and all will change to correct layer. You don't have to select alternative layer then o.k. it, then go to Edit Selection Settings again. Just select a different layer, then select the right one.

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Brett Brown — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:46:20 GMT

Thankyou Doug and Stuart of reminding me of that quirk which probably was my problem.

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:04:36 GMT

Hadn't thought of that one s2art. Good call!!

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:26:06 GMT

At the risk of going off topic...what exactly is the order that Archicad uses if you select a bunch of elements with a selection window?

Edit: Elements on different layers. What determines which layer will be current after selection?

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Anonymous — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:52:40 GMT

Sorry for the double post. My internet is a mess!!!

Re: Changing layers of multiple element types at once.

Laszlo Nagy — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:45:04 GMT

Doug,
I deleted you second post.

To answer your question:
I could not find any pattern in how multiple elements are selected. The Info Box always displays the settings of the LAST selected element. Therefore you can select a bunch of elements, then click an element of the selection to deselect it and click it again to re-add it to the selection.
This way the Info Box will display the settings of that element.

Interestingly, ALT-clicking (picking up the parameters of) the element will not make the Info Box change what it displays. So I guess it is in what order elements are added to the Selection Set and that is why the above trick works: the deselected and reselected element becomes the last element added to the selection set.