When modeling I often feel hamstrung by a lack of control over the visibility of elements in model space which can be traced to the fact that its tied to layers. 

 

Ignoring any discussion about layers raison d'être in todays object oriented applications I just note that its strange to rely on a coarse and rigid structure as layers for visibility when we have access to a much finer and flexible selection functionality. 

 

At the same time there are functionalities already in place that undermines the hegemony of layers regarding visibility.

 

  • We can hide elements in 3D by type.
  • We can hide elements in 3D by selection.
  • We can hide elements in both 2D and 3D by renovation filters.
  • We can as of AC27 hide elements in both 2D and 3D by design options. /edit240521

 

I would like to see a effort to consolidate all this control functionality in to one tool and base it on the same logic as the Find & Select tool.

 

My rather spontaneous concept idea for intuitive visibility control is a toggle between 'Show All' and 'Hide All' with an exception/inversion list based on Criterion Sets or Criterion Set Combinations. 

 

Show All

Hide All

-----------------------------

Exception/Inversion

Criteria Set 1

Criteria Set 2

Criteria Set ...

 

Another functionality that would be useful is the ability to set hidden elements as reference - locking and fading/wireframing/x-raying them.  

51 Comments

And speaking of interactive palettes - the layer palette mentioned in New AC Add-Ons by Bimdots showcase of how visibility control in AC really should feel. Imagine that but not just based on layers but on classifications or any other available criteria.

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