Layer State - importing layer

[earthsquare]

Hi,
I use AutoCAD LT 2021 for Mac.
I have recently customised by layers (including layer description and layer groups)
How do I copy all the layers and properties of my customisation (including layer description and layer groups) to another drawing? 
Regards

[steven-g]

It might be best to check over on the dedicated MAC forum, the easiest method I know of is to use "ADCENTER" (designcenter  or Ctrl+2), although not necessary to have the drawings both open it is probably easiest, have the new drawing as the active tab, then in the 'tree view' of the designcenter open up the 'layers' section for the original drawing and select all the layers you want to transfer to the new drawing, right-click and select 'add'. All the layers and details will be added to the new drawing including descriptions.

The layer state export/import function is for transferring 'layer states' which is something completely different.

[earthsquare]

Hi.
The design centre is not available in LT. Even in the normal AutoCAD, I think it is not possible to copy the layer group.

[RobDraw]

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@earthsquare wrote:

Hi.
The design centre is not available in LT. 

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Are you sure?

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad-lt/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/Au...

[pendean]

@RobDraw OP is a MAC user, no ADC there.

[RobDraw]

That's what happens when Mac users post in the Windows version forum. Mistakes happen. Doesn't really matter though, (Does it?) as the OP is looking for something else.

[maxim_k]

Hi Sreejith,

It is not very difficult.

You can use stAte option inside  -LAYER command to import Layer Staes (Layer groups) from another drawing.

Command: -LAYER
Current layer: "0"
Enter an option [?/Make/Set/New/Rename/ON/OFF/Color/Ltype/LWeight/TRansparency/MATerial/Plot/Freeze/Thaw/LOck/Unlock/stAte/Description/rEconcile/Xref]: A
Enter an option [?/Save/Restore/Edit/Name/Delete/Import/EXport]: I
Enter file name to import <Drawing2>: ~
Enter layer state names to import or [?] <*>:
Enter an option [?/Save/Restore/Edit/Name/Delete/Import/EXport]:
Enter an option [?/Make/Set/New/Rename/ON/OFF/Color/Ltype/LWeight/TRansparency/MATerial/Plot/Freeze/Thaw/LOck/Unlock/stAte/Description/rEconcile/Xref]:
Command:

When AutoCAD asks file name to import, you type ~ (Tilda) and hit Return to open window, where you can select drawing file with Layer states - you need to select .DWG file type from "File format" drop-down list:

after you select drawing, AutoCAD asks to specify Layer states names, just leave * option and hit Return three times to exit -LAYER command - all Layer states (Groups) will be imported along with descriptions.

[earthsquare]

SORRY. 

[earthsquare]

Hi,
I have tried.
The layers are getting imported, but the line weight is set to 'default', the colours are set to 'white' and line type also set to 'default' for the imported layers. The groups and layer descriptions are also missing.
Regards

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Yes, after you import Layer states to new drawing? you will see:

Now you need to set one of them current:

If you choose "Manage Layer States" from that dropdown, you also will be able to see descriptions too:

[earthsquare]

Hi
Thanks. It worked a bit.
The colours, line weight, line type has come back.
The groups and descriptions are missing.
Regards

[maxim_k]

>>>>>The groups and descriptions are missing.
Sorry, I thought you mean descriptions for Layer states.

Layer groups in AutoCAD for Mac are the same as Layer Filters in AutoCAD for Windows, and import - export of Layer Filters (Groups) is not yet available in plain AutoCAD? including AutoCAD for Mac.
Please look at this AKN article:
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to...

[earthsquare]

Hi,
I had given a description for layers so that it will be helpful for new staffs joining.
I also grouped certain layers, so that that could be turned off completely while working.
These two parameters were missing.

[maxim_k · Accepted solution]

Layers description can be copied between drawings if you:
- create a copy of source drawing with all layers
- erase all objects in this source object
- use PURGE to purge everything except Layers in source drawing
- open target drawing, use INSERT command in it to insert exploded source drawing - actually you insert only Layers from source drawing.

Importing Layer Groups is impossible in plain AutoCAD.

[earthsquare]

Thanks, Maxim.
that just made my day. I have been trying different options over the last week, and in fact, was thinking to copy all layers from the source drawing as a final attempt. Insert is a much easier option.
Regards