How do I use the PipeFitPro Layer Tools?

Layers are a valuable tool for managing complex design work in AutoCAD, however the standard AutoCAD tools are sometimes hard to find, or require excessive scrolling and clicking. That’s where the PipeFitPro Layer Toolbar saves the day with various shortcuts and utilities designed to help you breeze through layer work.

New Layer

Assigning a new layer to a detail is super easy with the ‘New Layer’ command. Type a new layer (or select from the customizable list) and instantly create and modify objects to the new layer and color.

‘Create Blocks From Layer Name’

We’ve developed a block creating command that uses the current layer name, date and time. This makes it possible to convert drawing details into blocks instantly – without the need to specify a name, and check various options each time.

Tip! Use the Isolate Layer command (see below) to set current drawing layer when creating blocks from details.

Match Selected Layer Properties

We’ve taken the AutoCAD ‘LAYMCH’ (Layer Match) command and added ‘Linetype Match’, & ‘Color Match’ and ‘Match All’ allowing you to decide which properties you want to match from existing objects in a drawing. Make a selection (with or without grips), and then find a line or other object you want to match properties to. A handy alternative to the AutoCAD ‘MATCHPROP’ command because you can select objects to change first, rather than the source object first.  

Thaw & Freeze

We’ve grouped the Layer Thaw and Freeze commands. It’s easy to select an object that’s on the layer you know you want to freeze, or thaw all layers without opening the layer dialogue box (and selecting every layer manually).

Isolate Layers 

The Isolate Layer button uses the AutoCAD command ‘LAYISO’, and turns off all layers except for the layers in a selection. This is a really useful command that allows you to work on a detail without the distraction of other lines.

In AutoCAD 2008 and later, the ‘LAYISO’ command’s default settings locks layers and fades them, which means you have to use the AutoCAD ‘LAYUNISO’ to un-lock and un-fade the layers. We recommend turning this feature off for a few good reasons: a) fading layers is not very effective when isolating details b) you won’t get stuck with locked layers and wonder why c) you can turn individual layers back on if needed d) if you don’t have AutoCAD 2008 or later it’s a pain!

NOTE To restore the Layer Isolate (LAYISO) command to the way it was in AutoCAD 2007 and earlier (without lock and fade): Open a new drawing in AutoCAD and type ‘LAYISO’ and in the command settings, you will be given the option [Off/Lock and Fade]. Type “OFF” and press Enter, and close the drawing. 

Turn Layers On & Off by selection

Turn on all layers in a drawing instantly with the ‘Layer On All’ command. We recommend this command rather than LAYUNISO (refer above) due to it’s speed and simplicity (no layer unlocking/fading). The ‘Layer Off’ button works the AutoCAD ‘LAYOFF’ command, which allows you to select objects to turn off layers.

Tip! We recommend using on/off rather than freeze/thaw for regular layer work. AutoCAD regenerates layers which are off, but does not regenerate frozen layers, so if you thaw a layer it can take a few seconds to appear in a large drawing.

Set Current Layer, Color and Linetype by selection.

Set current drawing properties (with or without grips) using our these four buttons. Simply select any line (or other object) and obtain the desired current drawing properties without the need of scrolling through Layer, Color or Linetype lists.

NOTE We’ve left out layer lock/unlock and a few other commands, becasue we guess you won’t need them on a regular basis. However, if you are handy at customizing the user interface in AutoCAD, you can easily add any of the PipeFitPro Layer Utilities to a toolbar.

That’s it – now you’re up to speed with the PipeFitPro Layers toolbar!

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