Basic HTML Version
CAD Standards Manager
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925)939-6014
Layer Commands
Overview of Layer Functions
Whether working with a new drawing or an existing drawing CAD Standards Manager
has
useful tools for managing drawing layers. Identify an object's layer with
verify layer
standards compliance with
change layer visibility settings with
convert non-standard layers in a drawing to standard layers with
and if named
plot styles are in use, attach .STB files to a drawing with
The Layer Standard
Layers are the basic organizational element within AutoCAD. As such, an organization’s
layering standard is the most important guideline in their plan set development. The larger the
organization the more important it is to impose a system of standards upon the CAD users that
facilitates communication. The effective implementation of a layering standard is the first step in
establishing this communication.
The Layer Standard is an agreed-upon structured naming convention for AutoCAD layers. Each
layer should be assigned base properties of color, linetype, and optionally, lineweight. In the
past most organization’s layer standards were published in a manual that was given to its CAD
users. Each user was expected to create the layers he/she requires while following the
guidelines of the Standards manual. This method has the inherent problems of compliance and
introduction of user error. A standard is of no use unless it is followed.
CAD Standards Manager (CSM) is designed to simplify the implementation and management of
CAD Standards while helping ensure user compliance. This software employs the concept of
“the path of least resistance”. With an intuitive user interface, CAD Standards Manager reduces
the effort required to create layers within CAD drawings while following a prescribed layering
standard. By making the layer creation process easier than base AutoCAD commands we have
created a path that CAD users will choose to follow because it simplifies and speeds up their
work.
Please note: Although the user interface makes it easier for standards to be followed,
they are still “passive” standards. It is ultimately the user’s responsibility to use CAD
Standards Manager layer functions to create new layers when required and to set the
currently active layer.
Accessing Layer Commands
Layer Ribbon
On the ribbon the Layers Panel can be accessed on the Stds Manager Tab. The three most
commonly used layer commands appear on the panel while the rest are accessed by expanding
the panel.