Layers and Layer Combinations
Tips and Tricks • Michael Warr • 2 March 2021
AEC - Tip of the Day, Archicad, BIM
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This blog will describe the importance of managing layer combinations and distinguish them from layers.
BIM elements in Archicad are placed onto a Layer, either by way of a default setting, a favourite or manual intervention. Layers can be toggled On or Off to control the visibility of all elements on that layer.
To create drawings we turn certain layers on and certain layers off (managing layer states), then control other aspects of what we see on screen (zoom, scale, rotation, renovation etc).
Rather than having to repeat this process of manually adjusting layer states for each drawing, similar drawings can use a saved set of layer states, called a Layer Combination.
A typical template will have a generic layer combination created for each sort of drawing you want to create (sketch plans, architectural plans). This can be added to as the project evolves and more complex drawings are needed.
When the view is created the layer combination used at that point in time will be saved into the settings of the view. We can quickly hide all the dimensions on a series of drawings or views (for example all our sketch plans) by editing the layer combination directly, rather than editing each drawing manually.
Avoid Custom Layer Combinations! This is a trap for new users who simply right click and “save view, place on layout” Custom layer combinations cannot be edited from a single point.
Further recommended reading: https://blog.graphisoftus.com/tips-and-tricks/layer-combination-theory and https://wwabim.wordpress.com/tag/layers/
