Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

This month…

From the Vault

Originally published February 2007

Layer States Manager

Last December, I referenced the wisdom of using the Layer States Manager, but then realized I didn't give you much insight into how it works. The point of saving a layer state is to "capture" the condition of the layer properties; On, Off, Frozen, Thawed, etc. A layer state can be saved when you're in the Model tab or in a viewport of a Layout. The following procedure is what you would do after you configure the layers of the drawing the way you want them. You know, On/Off/Freeze/Thaw/Lock/Unlock… and Color. Yes, the layer state will retain the color you assign to a layer.

Instructions to Create a New Layer State (Model Tab)

1. Open the Layer Properties Manager, then click the Layer States Manager button.
2. Click the New button and enter a name for the layer state. You can also enter a description.
3. Check the boxes for the layer settings to be saved with that layer state.
4. Click Close.
5. To test your layer state, turn a few layers off, thaw a few layers, then re-open the Layer States Manager and Restore your named layer state.

Additional Insights

Layer States in Viewports: When saving a layer state for the active viewport, make sure you check the box for Current VP Frozen / Thawed.

Export/Import: Use the Export feature to create a .LAS file that can then be Imported to another drawing.

Color vs Black & White: If you can't get a drawing to plot using a Monochrome plot style, save a layer state in its default color condition, then change all the layers to White (or Black) and save THAT layer state with a name like B-W or something.

Tool Palette Macro: One of the annoying parts of layer states (at this writing), is that it can only be accessed from within the Layer Properties Manager. Solution: Put it in a macro on the tool palette. For more on adding a macro to the tool palette, take a look at the January 2006 article regarding a Blank Button On the A2006 Tool Palette.

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