Layer & Object Manipulation

Layer & Object Manipulation

Estimated reading: 4 minutes 2 views

In this Task

  • Layers on which the dimensions were drawn will be switched off.
  • The sketch objects will be copied to the layer Construction, then switched off.

Associated Tasks

  • Using an Isometric View.

Before you Start

Take Note

  • You may continue with the 3D model of the sketch in this Session or proceed to the next 2D Tutorial Session.

Layer Control

Window | Concept Explorer
The Concept Explorer is a utilities manager which allows control over object properties such as layer, color, linetype etc. It also provides a selection of symbols which can be conveniently inserted by dragging into the editor.
New layers are created so that specific object properties such as color, visibility etc, can be more easily controlled.
When a new layer is created and activated as the current layer, all subsequent objects drawn in the editor will automatically be drawn on this layer.
Objects which were previously drawn on another layer can be moved to a new layer using the Inspector.

When using partial geometry which was created as part of a 2D sketch to create the 3D model, certain features such as center lines, dimensions and various sketch objects are not required.

In the case of objects which should be retained but which are of no immediate use, such as dimensions and center lines, these objects are placed on a specific layer, then switched off. This retains the objects, but does not display them in the graphics editor.

Additionally, it is always advisable that the entire sketch be retained as it serves as a reference to the design.

In this task, the layers on which the dimensions were drawn will be switched off.

The sketch objects will be copied to the layer Construction, then switched off.

Concept Explorer

Note : This step is not necessary if you are using the sample drawing for this Session.

Use the Concept Explorer to create a new layer for the Model, leaving the color override unchecked, shown below. Make the new Model layer the current layer.

Creating a new layer for the Model. Model layer is current.

Copying Objects

Modify | Transform | Translate (hold down ALT key to create duplicate)
This duplication tool creates a copy of a selection of objects by holding down the keyboard ALT key during the translate process.

Select the entire sketch, then holding down the CTRL keyboard key, copy the objects to a new position in the editor, shown below.

Copying the sketch to a new location

With the copied sketch still highlighted, shown above, open the Inspector, shown below, and move these objects to the Construction layer.

Open the Concept Explorer, then switch off the Construction and Dimension layers, shown below. This preserves a full copy of the sketch geometry and dimensions on the Construction layer. The sketch objects remaining in the editor will be used to build the Model.

Switching off the Construction and Dimension layer

One set of sketch objects only should remain in the editor, shown below.

Sketch objects remaining in the editor to be used to build the model

Remove all objects which are no longer critical to the construction of the model, so that the result is the same as the illustration below.

Sketch prepared for 3D model construction

Leave a Comment

Share this Doc

Layer & Object Manipulation

Or copy link

CONTENTS