topic Re: Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager in Civil 3D Forum

Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager

juliacarroll5102 — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 19:43:36 GMT

in civil3d 2021, the layer properties manager displays non-xref layers in black (normal) font, but the xref layers it defaults to display them grayed out. this makes for fairly difficult viewing. is there anyway to make the layer properties manager display all font in black so that it is easier legible?

Re: Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager

Joe-Bouza — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:09:36 GMT

XFADECTL = 0-90

Re: Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager

tcorey — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:43:06 GMT

XDWGFADECTL. Set to 0 for no fading, up to as high as 90 for extreme fading.

Re: Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager

ChicagoLooper — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:13:54 GMT

The system variable know as XDWGFAEDCTL will control the intersity of your xrefs in modelspace. A lower number will make the xref darker or more intense (value=0) whereas a higher number will make the xref fade and appear lighter (value=90).

Image-1.

Based on your opening post, I don't think fading an xref is what you're after. You want to know how to change the color of the layer description in the Layer Properties Manager, where the Xref layers have gray font and the normal layers have white font.

Image-2.

Unfortunately there's no documented way to make the layer descriptions white. Your only alternative is to change the font height for your operating system, i.e. Windows. (I don't believe you can change font color.)

From Windows 10=>Go to Start=>Setting Icon (Looks like a gear)=>Ease of Access=>Make Text Bigger slider.

Image-3.

Re: Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager

MMcCall402 — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 21:16:06 GMT

I believe its all part of the colors in the "Color theme" Try choosing the other one and see it is works better for you.

Re: Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager

Jeew-m — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 00:30:46 GMT

You cannot edit the layer names in the xref because that is coming from another drawing. Only the name is grayed out.

In the left of layer manager you can filter Xref Layers and Non Xref layers for easy viewing.

Re: Xref vs Non Xref layers in layer manager

chriscowgill7373 — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:03:22 GMT

Based on what I have seen, there is no way to do what you are asking. Making the font bigger might make it easier to read, but could also have other consequences elsewhere in Windows. Personally I think that if you use the Dark theme it is easier to read than the light theme, but it is still greyed out and not black. I'd recommend submitting it as feedback here:

https://www.autodesk.com/company/contact-us/product-feedback