Layers

Layers allows you to better organize your scene.

By using layers you can easily set some options ( like visibility ) for a number of objects and fixtures. that are on the same layer. This will make working with visually complex scenes easier.

You gain this level of control by organizing the objects in your drawing on layers that are associated with a specific function, purpose or location

The layers also allow you to switch options like 'gives shadow', 'will light up', 'gives light' and 'has beam' on and off for each layer. Using these options allows you to tweak the performance and  visual look of the scene quite easily.

All objects, fixtures, group and assemblies always belong to one layer. Which layer this is can be changed in the 'Info' section on the sidebar.

Layers in the 3D Visualizer differs from the other modules in a number of ways.

Layer Groups

In the visualizer you can group layers, so you can set the options of multiple layers at the same time.

Layers are grouped together using the name of the layers using the '\' character.

For instance a layer named 'Martin\RUSH MH6' will be shown as a layer named 'RUSH MH6' in a group named 'Martin'. You can have groups within groups so a layer named 'Martin\Mac Quantum\Profile' will be shown as a layer named 'Profile' in a group named 'Mac Quantum' in a group named 'Martin'. In this example you would be able to set a layer option on the group named 'Martin' and it will effect both the 'Martin\RUSH MH6' and the 'Martin\Mac Quantum\Profile' layers.

Default Layer

The default layer is a special layer that can not be removed from the scene. When layers are removed from the scene, the objects on that layer will be located on the default layer.

Another special property of the default layer is seen when an object or fixture on the default layer is grouped, and the group is put on another layer. In that case the objects or fixture on the default layer will follow the settings from the group.