About Layers
Use layers and groups to organize elements within a 2D figure. The order in which these layers and groups are arranged determines the rendering sequence. Users have the flexibility to relocate layers and groups, as well as transfer elements between them.
You can find the Layers tab in the Upper Data Panel where the top section lists the layers by name in a grid format with dedicated columns for each property. Clicking a cell will toggle the property. The bottom section displays the groups and annotations for the selected layer. The groups are displayed in render order. These groups, including parent and child groups, can be easily expanded or collapsed, providing a convenient way to reveal or conceal specific content elements.
All 2D figures have three default layers: Page, Standard, and Background that cannot be deleted. Based on the preferences set in the 2D Figures – Layers page in the > > > additional layers may be automatically generated. Users also have the option to manually create layers on a figure-by-figure basis.
The Active Layer
When adding new content to a 2D figure, such as drawing lines or ellipses, they will always be added on the active layer. The active layer is indicated with a green check mark in the left-hand column of the layer section of the upper data panel. To select a layer and view its contents and annotations, click on the name of the layer in its respective row in the second column from the left.
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Selecting a layer does not make it the active layer.
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To Add a Layer
1. In the Layers ribbon menu, select New Layer, the New Layer dialog box opens.
Alternatively, in the upper data panel, select the Layers tab, right click and select New Layer.
2. In the Name field, type a name.
3. Optionally, set the properties of the new layer:
a. Select Color and use the color chooser to set an override color for the layer.
b. Select Hide to set the visibility of the layer.
c. Select Do Not Publish to exclude the layer from publishing.
d. Select Lock to set the layer as locked, content cannot be selected in the view.
e. Click OK.
To Edit a Layer
1. In the upper data panel, select a layer.
2. In the Layers ribbon menu, select Layer Properties, the Layer Properties dialog box opens.
Alternatively, in the upper data panel, right click and select Layer Properties.
3. Optionally, set the properties of the layer:
a. Type a name in the Name field to rename the layer.
The Page, Standard, and Background layers cannot be renamed.
b. Select Color and use the color chooser to set an override color for the layer.
c. Select Hide to set the visibility of the layer.
d. Select Do Not Publish to exclude the layer from publishing.
e. Select Lock to set the layer as locked, content cannot be selected in the view.
f. Click OK.
To Reorder a Layer
1. In the upper data panel, select a layer.
2. In the Layers ribbon menu:
◦ Click Bring to Front and then select Bring to Front or Bring Forward from the dropdown list. Bring to Front moves the layer to the top of the layers list, and Bring Forward moves the layer one step forward in the list.
◦ Click Send to Back and then select Send to Back or Send Backward from the dropdown list. Send to Back moves the layer to the bottom of the layers list, and Send Backward moves the layer back one step.
Alternatively, you can either click and drag the layer up or down, or right click on the selected layer and select Bring Forward or Send Backward.
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The Page and Background layers cannot be moved and always stay fixed at the top and the bottom of the layers list, respectively.
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To Delete a Layer
1. In the upper data panel, select a layer.
2. In the Layers ribbon menu, select Delete Layer, the layer is deleted from the list of layers.
Alternatively, in the upper data panel, right click and select Delete.
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Page, Standard, and Background layers cannot be deleted.
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