Layers

The World Browser offers an ulterior tool, which is very useful for organizing your models and particularly when managing complex ones: layers.

Layers allow you to associate some objects regardless of any group hierarchy of your model.

You do not have to necessarily use layers. Nonetheless, objects are always created on a default layer. If you create other layers you will have to specify which should be the current layer, i.e. the one to which objects are automatically assigned when they are added to the scene.

 

You can set the current layer by simply selecting it from the layers pull-down menu.

 

 

The current layer is clearly recognizable in the browser since its icon is highlighted in yellow.

 

 

Layers commands are accessible through the pop-up menu that appears when you right-click within the browser. Some of these operations can also be performed by clicking the appropriate button.

 

New layer

Creates a new layer. When you create a new layer, it is automatically set as the current one.

 

Delete layer

To delete a selected layer. When you delete a layer, the objects in that layer are deleted as well. You cannot delete the current layer.

 

Layer color

You can assign a color to each layer to increase visibility of the objects created on different layers. The color you assign is used when the layer is not selected. In fact, when the layer is selected, objects are always represented in red.

 

Layer on

Sets the layer on. All the objects assigned to the layer are visible, pickable, and snappable.

 

Layer off

Sets the layer off. None of the objects assigned to the layer are displayed, nor are they pickable or snappable. Useful to reduce the visual clutter in the views.

 

Layer lock

When a layer is locked, all the objects assigned to the layer are displayed and snappable, but they are NOT pickable. Useful when you want to restrict picking to the part of the model you are working on.

 

 

See also: