How to use layers in Vectric software | General Topics

Overview

This video explains how to use layers in Vectric software to organize 2D data such as vectors, images, dimensions, and 3D component grayscales. It covers layer creation, naming, active-layer behavior, visibility, colors, and how to move or copy objects between layers.

Steps

1. Open the Layers tab

   • Go to the Layers tab in the right-hand panel, or drag it out as a floating panel from the Design tab.

2. Create a new layer

   • Click Add New Layer in the bottom-left of the Layers tab.
   • Alternatively, right-click in the Layers tab and choose Insert New Layer.
   • Or select a vector, right-click it, and use Copy to Layer > New Layer / Move to Layer > New Layer.

3. Rename a layer

   • Click the layer name in the list to edit it.
   • Or right-click the layer and choose Rename.

4. Set the active layer

   • Click a layer in the list. The active layer appears in bold text.
   • New objects are placed automatically on the active layer.

5. Draw vectors on a layer

   • With the desired layer active, use drawing tools. Vectors are assigned to that layer.
   • If the active layer is hidden, drawing on it will automatically make it visible.

6. Toggle layer visibility

   • Use the eye/visibility icon next to a layer to show or hide its contents.
   • A hidden active layer turns red as a warning.

7. Change layer color

   • Click the color swatch next to a layer name, choose a color, and all vectors on that layer display in that color.

8. Identify which vectors belong to a layer

   • Double-click the page icon next to a layer in the Layers tab to select all vectors on that layer.
   • The layer name is also shown in the bottom-right status bar when a vector on that layer is selected.

9. Move or copy vectors to another layer

   • Select a vector, right-click, and choose Copy to Layer or Move to Layer, then pick the destination layer.

Key Points / Warnings

• A single vector can only exist on one layer at a time.
• Newly created objects go onto the current active layer.
• Editing an object does not change its layer unless the operation creates a new object, which then goes on the active layer.
• 2D toolpath previews are not assigned to layers; toolpath visibility is controlled from the Toolpath menu.
• Imported DXF/DWG/SKP files recreate their saved layers.
• PDF imports create a separate layer per page.
• EPS/AI imports without layer data create one layer named after the imported file.
• Bitmap imports automatically get their own dedicated layer.
• Dimensions and vector texture operations can automatically place results on separate layers if the option is enabled.
• In Aspire, tools like plate production, zero-plane creation, and model slicing can also generate new layers.