Contents

• Overview
• How layer schemes work

Overview

With layer schemes we have the ability to change the layer name assigned to each layer type based on the drawing type that we are working on. Each layer type is not limited to a single layer name as in the Single layer layer-type control method. Each time the layer scheme changes the layer assignments can also change.

Example: Let's say we have a layer type called "Notes & leaders" and we are using a layer scheme for details. When we use the LDRTXT command (a command that creates leaders w/ text) our leader and text might go on a layer called "A-DETL-TEXT". When we switch layer schemes to one that draws second floor reflected ceiling plans our leader and text from the LDRTXT command would go on the "Notes & leaders" layer name for second floor reflected ceiling plans which might be "A-RCLG-TEXT-02".

APS-2008 commands change the layer name they use when inserting/drawing objects based on what layer scheme is currently being used.

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How layer schemes work

Rather than enter all the information for a layer over and over for all the commands that should use a specific layer we have devised a system of using a layer type so that information is only entered once and the commands that need to use that specific layer are just pointed to the layer type that holds that layer information. A layer type could be considered a "reason" for a layer. It often helps people to use the form "A layer for ______" when thinking about layer types. Instead of saying "dimensions" (which could get confused with a layer name) we could say "A layer for dimensions". We are just reserving a space for a layer name later.

In a nutshell...each APS-2008 command is assigned to a layer type, each layer type is assigned a layer name from the current layer scheme.

Looking at the diagram above we can graphically see how this works.

The NOTESC and LEADR commands have been assigned to the "C1" layer type which is called "NOTES".

Let's assume we are currently using the "Floor plan level 1" layer scheme. When the NOTESC command is used, it will create text on the "A-TEXT-01" layer because in the current layer scheme the "C1/NOTES" layer type has been assigned that layer name.

Now let's assume that we switched to the "Floor plan level 2" layer scheme. Now when the NOTESC command is used it will create text on the "A-TEXT-02" layer. Next we used the LEADR command and it also used the "A-TEXT-02" layer because it too was assigned to that layer type.

If we switched to the "Exterior Elevations" layer scheme and used either the NOTESC, LEADR, or any other command assigned to the "C1/NOTES" layer type the objects would be created on the "A-TEXT-ELEV" layer because that is the layer for "C1/NOTES".

Objects created in your drawing always go on the correct layer. This means one less thing for you to worry about so you can focus on what you're drawing instead of how it is being drawn.

Layer types are assigned to commands in the Assign Layer Types to Commands portion of the Layer Control section of the APS-CONFIG command.

Layer names are assigned to layer types for each layer scheme in the Layer Type Assignments portion of the SCHEMEDIT command.

See Using Layer Schemes for how to switch between layer schemes in a drawing.

Also see Setting up Layer Schemes for information on how to create or modify layer schemes.

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