Defining the current layer

When created, each element is given the current layer. The layer which is used as the current layer is governed by the following settings:

• When you activate a tool (e.g. line) for the first time, a specific layer is automatically selected as the current layer (if the Auto-select layer with tool option is selected in the Layer dialog box). The layer in question depends on which tool you activate. If the Auto-select layer with tool option is not selected, the program automatically uses the layer you selected last.
• The Layers palette shows the current layer. You can change the layer status with just one click.
  You can display the entire layer hierarchy, the layers assigned to the currently selected tool or the layers used in open documents. To do this, you can use the extensive shortcut menu of the Layers palette.
• The Objects palette - Sort by layer criterion also shows the current layer. You can change the layer status by clicking the icon indicating the layer status.
  You can see all the layers in the documents loaded. The tree structure lists all layers with their elements sorted by element group.
• You can use Select, Set Layers or the Format toolbar to define a different layer as the current one. This layer will then automatically be used as the current layer the next time you activate the tool.
• When you save components as styles or favorite files, the layer currently set is also saved. When you retrieve these components later, the layer saved is automatically set as the current layer.
• Normally, openings like recesses in walls and slabs or window and door openings get the same layer as the element into which they are inserted. Click the Special button in the Options - Components and architecture - Miscellaneous area to specify whether these openings can be assigned separate, independent layers.
• As walls can consist of multiple construction layers and each layer can have different format properties, you can define the layer for each of the construction layers in a wall or upstand directly in the Properties dialog box (you usually make these settings on the Format toolbar).

What do you want to do?

Select the current layer

Assign a different layer to elements already created

Define the layer selection on the Format toolbar