2012 Object Layers

[wvyhonsky]

Are the Object Layers set in the drawing settings tab now considered "in use" layers even if the object is not created?  In 2009 I was able to set the layer name, but it wouldnt become part of the drawing until the object was created.

Thanks

[AlmasSuljevic]

HI wvyhonski,

That is expected behavior and means that layers are referenced in style or command defaults somewhere. I know it is major pain to figure out where, but in majority of cases I have seen that was the case.

Civil 3D 2012 have soem useful tools that may help you identify where are these layers and styles used. It's not 100% sure to show where but it a good step in the right direction. For more info, please see our friend Seth's great post about it: http://beingcivil.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/03/autocad-civil-3d-2012-preview-styles-management.html

[wvyhonsky]

I understand if they are part of a style that the layer needs to be in the drawing, I'm talking about in the drawing settings, under the "object layers" tab.  If you assign a layer name, it creates the layer in the drawing, where as before (2009) the layer was able to be purged until the object was created.

Thanks

[AlmasSuljevic]

I am sorry but I don't undestand the issue well I would say.  Please correct me if I'm wrong. If you assign the layer in the drawing setings that layer is already part of the drawing. Not sure if this matter but can you check the toggle at the bottom of the dialog "Immediate And Independent Layer On/Off Control Of Display Components" . Do you see the same issue with let's say acad.dwt becuase the only layer in that DWT is 0? My understanding is that some layers are used in styles or command settings. Keep in mind that not all commands are listed  nor available for editing, which may display some layers and styles as in use becuse they are set as defaults for some commands that we don't see listed in Settings tab. 

[wvyhonsky]

The .dwt I have now (in 2009) has layers assigned to the objects the settings tab, but the only layer in the dwg is 0.  I think I was able to purge them out.

In 2012 when I assign a new layer to the objects in the settings, I am not able to purge them out because they are shown as "in use", but are not part of any style or default setting.

Thanks

[andrewpuller3811]

Another change to create more layers in blank drawings.

Our current template has nine layer settings with suffix modifiers to create layers when new objects are create with the object name as part of the layer name. e.g. "D Alignment *" for alignments. What happens if some makes a change to this in our template, are we then stuck with a layer "D Alignment" that will never contain anything as new layers will have the alignment name attached as a suffix?

Just tested this, and yes, apparently we are going to be stuck with these unused layers if they are set up like this in 2012.

[klugb]

I'm in line with the original post. It's a pain/flaw (IMO) that in 2009 I can have all my standard layers used in the settings setup with our color and linetypes ready to go, but one purge and there goes everything! We have to share with a lot of non-Civil 3D users and need the objects to be controlled bylayer.

In 2009 I went and created text that is just a blank space on each layer that I wanted to keep, so they don't get purged.