cloning layers

[Anonymous]

I posted this question before without any answer so here it goes again...

I would like to clone a layer so it comes with all the configuration ready regarding in which layers to be on/off. Is this possible?

I.E.: I have a Layer called S-BEAM. I would like to rename it S-BEAM CONCRTETE and then clone it and save the new layer as S-BEAM METAL. Both layers will share almost all layer combinations

[Eduardo Rolon]

Not understanding what you are trying to accomplish.

If you want to clone a layer set so that it has the same layer settings as an already existing one the answer is to select the existing one first in the Layer Window and then hit new. The new Layer Set Combination will duplicate the settings of the previous one.

If you want to create a copy of an existing Layer AFAIK that is not possible and in my opinion highly risky. How will AC know in which ones to be on or off? The established procedure for this is to start with a good template file.

[NCornia]

fransole,

It sounds as if there is some terminology confusion about the concept of the term "layer". You would like to clone a set of layers and then tweak it by turning some layers on or off right? This is a "layer combination". As can be inferred, this will create combinations of layers that will be visible when that layer combination is selected for a view.

Cloning an individual layer is not possible nor is there a reason to do so that I can see. You have the option to create/delete layers and give them the names you wish as well as change the other 5 parameters (lock/unlock, show/hide, 3D view Display, Intersection Group Number, Extension Name) as you desire.

ejrolon is correct about configuring layer combinations. Follow his advice and/or type "layer settings" into the Help feature to see it all explained.

Go to Document>Layers>Layer Settings to open the layer settings dialogue box. Here you can modify combinations and individual layers.

HTH

[Anonymous]

What I am trying to accomplish is to have a new layer for my metal beams (since I don't have this particular layer yet), but instead of starting from scratch, I would like to start from an existing layer that I know will be ON or OFF in most of my layer combinations.

That is why I gave the example of S-MTL BEAMS & S-CONC BEAMS, both will be turned ON in sections, structural plans, etc... but will be OFF in electrical, plans,...

[Anonymous]

Fransole,

I have frequently wanted to create a new layer with all the layer combinations settings of another layer, but haven't found out how yet.
(The New layer button does not do this). What is required is a "save as" button in the layers menu. I have tried working with two files and:

1) importing attributes from one to the other
2) copying elements with desired layer attributes from one to the other.
3) placing external content with desired attributes (merge, etc)
4) saving *.aat files and reimporting to other file (merge, append, etc)
5) I haven't tried using the Module file option, but I'm discouraged...

AC appears to track layers by number not by name. If you rename a layer (in order to keep its layer combos) it retains the original layer number.
This means you can't change the layer name in an new file and re-import it to the original file without overwriting the original layer. A dead end.

I can't imagine there isn't a work around for this situation. I have 35 layer combo's and resetting all of them for one new layer is a time waster.

I'm thinking some GDL might be the answer, but I'm not proficient enough to even know if that is a possibility.

Good template and office standards are essential, however, there will always be a layer that must be added.
Otherwise imagine starting a template with all 70+ pages of recommended NCS layer names.

Snap
PS Even if you started with only all the "likely" layer names...whew

[Barry Kelly]

snapcrackle wrote:
AC appears to track layers by number not by name. If you rename a layer (in order to keep its layer combos) it retains the original layer number.
This means you can't change the layer name in an new file and re-import it to the original file without overwriting the original layer. A dead end.

You are correct that Archicad uses the layer index number in the layer combinations.
So it doesn't matter if you create a new layer or append an existing layer via the Attribute Manager it will create a new layer with a new index number and this won't be recognised by the existing layer combinations.

snapcrackle wrote:
I have 35 layer combo's and resetting all of them for one new layer is a time waster.

I'm not quite sure why you would think this.
A new layer could be set on or off in all 35 of your layer combinatins in less than 30 seconds.
Once you have created the layer just select it and then turn it on or off with the layer active (eye) icon next to the layer combinations and press "OK" - that's it all done.

No need to use the old process of select the layer combination, turn the layer on or off on the layer side of the dialogue, press "Update" button and repeat for each layer combination.
This process was a pain and took longer but fortunately we don't need to do this now.

Barry.

[Anonymous]

Wow Snap,

I'm pretty sure I don't even have 35 layers. I believe in minimal layer manipulation, maximum 3D modeling. I try to keep combinations to a minimum using one major combination for most modeling and drafting, and a handful of others for publishing.

P.

[Anonymous]

p.hubbel
Using layer combos during the modeling process is very helpful to me. Working on roof eaves, RCPs, site, lighting, presentation coloring, etc all seem to speed up with special purpose layer combos. Then you have all the 3D stuff that may only exist as entourage for presentation, or be too high in polygon count to keep anywhere else, SEOs to hide, dimensions to confirm distances that the GC couldn't care less about, but I do, views t o verify equipment or lighting, but not publishable, just for me stuff, on it goes. I started with the AIA layer guidelines years ago, they do segregate layers that could be lumped together except for those whiny consultants.

Barry,
Yes the actual process is very fast, my issue is that when adding a layer and updating it. I can no longer see the settings of the layer I want to match, so I have to rethink every darned combo setting or refer back to my spreadsheet in another window. All sort of clumsy.

Snap

[Barry Kelly]

snapcrackle wrote:

Barry,
Yes the actual process is very fast, my issue is that when adding a layer and updating it. I can no longer see the settings of the layer I want to match, so I have to rethink every darned combo setting or refer back to my spreadsheet in another window. All sort of clumsy.

Snap

Or click on the layer you want to mimic, remember a few layer combos that it is switched on in then select your new layer and switch it on in those combos.
Click back and forth between the existing and new layer until you can't see any differences anymore.

Probably doesn't help if you list is long and you have to scroll up and down.
I'm not sure if it stays put where you last scrolled to or it jumps back to the beginning of the list - my list of layers just fits without scrolling.

Barry.

[Link]

Any new layer will be hidden in all layer combos, no matter how it is created or brought into the project. And that's just how you want it usually, but not when creating or updating layer combos. 

Lucky you've only got 35 layers. In our all-encompassing template we have just under 200 layers and 50 or so layer combos. Last week I implemented a new intersection group number system, which required 9,600 separate edits.  

Lots of Snagit, Excel and coffee, so if there's a better way I wanna know about it! :shock:

I do always save out aat files before and after any big attribute modification though. And the latest are always kept on the server. 

Cheers,
Link.