Layer set, layer sets, and more layer sets

[sherpa_jones]

So I have been thinking lately about the widespread problem of the frustrating hunt through the layer display dbx and frequent request of having the layer display options dbx open and undocked, so that we can be always changing the display of layers without all the clicking. Until that happens, I have been working on an alternative over the last month. I have sub-layersets that address some of my major layer frustrations. Now, what is a sub layerset? Just something I just made up.

In my template plan, I have the following, user defined layersets:

01 - Plan Set
02 - Foundation Set
03 - Framing Set
04 - Roof Set
05 - Interior Set
06 - Landscape Set

Now, each set has a subset. For example, my Plan Set:

01 - Plan Set - Default
01 - Plan Set - Hidden Walls/Attic Walls
01 - Plan Set - Posts and Beams
01 - Plan Set - Lock Walls/Doors/Windows

The layer set is 01 - Plan Set, where the displayed layers are all suitible for the use of developing the plan. The subsets (default/hidden walls/posts and beams) are minor details that are changed for specific needs. In plan set, I always use invisible walls to define rooms that are not divided by walls. So, my hidden walls/attic walls subset specifically views those layers, and is much easier to find them than to open the layer display options and scroll down the list.

Does anyone else do this? If so, how much has it cut down on your searching the display options for that layer you just need to turn off?

[Curtis Johnson]

Rod:

For the first part I do something very similar [Foundation Set, Basement Set, Main Level Set, 2nd Level Set, Floor Framing Set, Roof Framing Set, etc.]. For those parts I typically have at least two parts I display with each:

For example:

Foundation Set
Text, Foundation Set
Dimensions, Foundation Set

Some other details which I put on separate layers I might want to display on more than one view to Layout so I just keep them "non-specific" and just turn them on/off as needed.

[David J. Potter]

I started using Chief before the advent of "layer sets"; back then we made our own sort of which was really just more mess.

Now, like Curt perhaps I make some of my own and when I can't find something I use the "All On" set.

It is not very organized or as fastidious compared to some of you but I suit myself.

I think another factor is I never learned or used AutoCAD; the most vociferous promoters of "Layer Sets" were former users of that software.

Once I understood how to make and use them I could easily see the value of them.

I am so used to "clicks" that reducing the number, version to version suits me just fine (I don't know any better having been raised in a CAD "Barn" I suppose).

DJP

[dshall]

Now, what is a sub layerset? Just something I just made up.

Rod, that is what I do, very effective.

[perryh]

I use different layers for text, dimensions, cad lines for each layerset I use in a plan. This makes it difficult to change layersets without having to also change those layers that apply. That system works very good for me. That's why layer set default's would save a lot of clicks.

[Rusty]

This is similar to my method, Rod.