Using Layers?

Luke Shiras · 2024-08-06T15:15:47+00:00

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Question for the community - How do you use Layers in your workflow?

Layers has come up in several topics recently and I thought it would be a good idea to learn how and why some people use them so those of us who don't could better understand how they might benefit us in our daily life. So…

How do you use Layers in your workflow?

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Comments

vfrench

I'm using layers on 'busy' drawings to be able to turn markups on and off.

For example, on a brickwork & scaffolding take-off there will be a lot of features measured which overlap others - a dpc tray at the FFL could be exactly where the blocking lift to the scaffold is measured so one markup can obscure the other.

Using layers enables you to put all of the markups on the same drawing but still see the details when you need to.

Jessica Dalske

I use layers in my training to show designers how they can see the differences in revisions. I prefer to use Layers to do this instead of the Compare tool which often times highlights differences that are not there.

For example, a drawing had ceiling tile change in size from revision 1 to revision 2. I add the two drawings, pick red for revision 1 (stop) and green for revision 2 (go). Where the drawings match it is black and the changes are way more obvious. I hope that helps :)

Forrest Simmons

I use them to organize information for the project, my markups, pathways and notes. Heck I use them for change comparisons in areas.

Jacob_Westerhoff

I use Layers heavily for takeoffs. I assign layers by the trade for which the takeoff would be assigned to.

For example, when I perform my Structural takeoffs, I have my layers split up between Concrete, Structural Steel, Misc Metals, Masonry, etc., and assign the takeoffs to each designated trade as my takeoffs continue. That way I can hide each layer and have a blank slate when I begin taking off my next trade.

Each layer can also be reflected as a selected column within the markups list. That way when you extract your takeoffs as a csv file, you can sort, by layer, within Excel. Saving you time when you perform your calculations and add these quantities to your estimate template. Also, you can use the 'filter list' to only show a specific layer and quickly locate your takeoff/markup within the bid documents.

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