3D Drawing Layers

[Anonymous]

When using AutoCAD in 3D drawing there is only one layer property. Defpoint layer is not showing when using 3D model in AutoCAD. Why?

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>> Defpoint layer is not showing when using 3D model in AutoCAD. Why?

Not only when you use 3D drawing even at 2D , this layer will be created automatically by AutoCAD when you create dimensions. If you don’t see this layer in your AutoCAD drawing, try to create a dimension, then look again in your layer list . This layer is used for definition points when you place dimensions in AutoCAD. This layer by default is set not to be plotted. if you open a new drawing and you find this layer already exist , that means that you have a defined template dwt  used file . 

Regards,

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> Defpoint layer is not showing 

Just want to add to @imadHabash statements ... even if the layer "Defpoints" exist in your drawing, it should not be used for your own objects (never, it's a layer just for AutoCAD internal purposes and usage).

- alfred -

[dbroad]

I think that's bad advice. Better advice is to use it as its intended, which is for objects that you never want to plot and for which you don't mind always seeing on screen. For example, adding points on layer defpoints creates unique advantages for block definitions and for mvblocks that is unavailable in any other layer.  I often use it for layout lines and sometimes for reminders.  I usually change the color to 140 so its easy to spot which objects are on layer defpoints and make sure to use plot styles that preserve that color on layouts.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> I think that's bad advice. Better advice is to use it as its intended,

>> which is for objects that you never want to plot

Therefor AutoCAD has the layer property "no-Plot", that's for creating layers which hold geometry that should not be plotted.

You can find a lot of threads here asking for strange behaviors happening when a user make usage of that layer (like >>>that<<<).

- alfred -

[pendean]

So create it yourself in LAYER command, like you do all other layers you want: or are you seriously drawing everything on layer zero because that is the only layer in your file? that's bad drafting: are you in school or taking classes?

Otherwise... what is the challenge exactly? Please explain.

[dbroad]

Yes, as I said, layer 0 and defpoints should be left on and thawed.  Yet, they both have important uses and shouldn't be overlooked.  For example, it is required to use points on layer defpoints for substitute blocks for door style and window style blocks and for mvblocks.  Points used within blocks that are placed on layer defpoints add additional strategic snap points that can otherwise not be added.  These points ignore the setting of pdsize and pdmode, which is important. I've used layer defpoints for over 30 years without problems.

For information that may or may not be desired to be visible or plotted, user layers should be created.   For example, I use a special layer for vports that isn't plottable.