Layers

[Anonymous]

Is it against ArchiCAD's protocol to delet the already given layers when you open a fresh ArchiCAD project, and instead create your own?

[Eduardo Rolon]

Hmmm… No, that is why you create a template if I parse you question correctly.

[Anonymous]

I think you have understood me correctly ejrolon.

Basically what I'm finding is that even though Archicad chooses to place let's say new walls on the "Structural - Bearing Layer", I'm finding it makes more sense to me to create my own layers, for example:

Existing Walls | Ground Floor
Existing Walls | Basement
Existing Slabs | Ground Floor
Planned Walls | Ground Floor
Planned Walls | Basement
Planned Slabs | Ground Floor

and place my Existing on the existing layers, and proposed construction on the Planned Layers.

Is it then ok to delete the other un-needed layers that the project file originally opens with?

[Eduardo Rolon]

Yes that is the beginning of creating your template file.

I would rename the layers instead of deleting them as an option.

But what I do is I have created my own set in addition to the original AC layers therefore no need to erase or overwrite them.

[Eduardo Rolon]

Usually mine are named

A-Walls: Existing
A-Walls: Gen

Go from general to specific and remember that they group by alphabetical order.

---
Then you need to get working on your Favorites.

[Anonymous]

hmm.. that's what I originally did ejrolon, however I'm now facing a new problem. Not realising I still had walls and objects on those original layers, I deleted them without checking, and now when I change my demolishion filter from Existing to Planned, half the building is missing

Is there any way to bring these back?

[David Shorter]

Two things
One. You do not need to differentiate between new and existing in the layer names as you have the renovation filter to control the visibility.
Two. You do not need to have the story name in the layer name as layer names are common across stories. Elements are placed on the appropriate story and the appropriate layer.

[Anonymous]

Interesting point David.

So is there any way I can recover the deleted layers?

[David Shorter]

The only chance is to open the bpn. This is one save behind the current copy. If you haven't saved this might help.
Or quit without saving and reopen the file

Otherwise nope.
Sorry

[David Maudlin]

blimp:

Since you are using Mac, get another hard drive and enable Time Machine (automatic back up), I have it on both my laptop and desktop. I don't need it often, but has been invaluable when I do need it.

David