Creating new template with unreconciled layers

[Anonymous]

I have created a dwg file with preset layers and now wish to save it as a template (dwt) file. When I check the box under "New Layer Notification" as "save all layers as unreconciled", (i.e. no baseline layers created), it creates the template file, however all the layers are still created when I use it for a new drawing.

In fact it makes no difference which box I check (reconciled or unreconciled), the outcome is still the same.

I also find that even when I switch the LAYEREVALCTS settings I still cannot get any notifications for new layers nor a filter with unreconciled layers in my layer properties manager.

Am I missing something here?

Danny

[steven-g]

From what I can see the option to save new layers as unreconciled in the template creation dialogue is only used to set the layereval variable, so any layers existing in your template are considered to be a part of the drawing and only layers created after the first save are then seen as new. If you have a list of layers that you want in the new drawings but set as unreconciled then maybe you will have to run a macro after a drawing is created to create the layers rather than having them in the template.

[Anonymous]

I have just checked the LAYEREVAL variable on both templates (one created with unreconciled layers and the other created with reconciled layers) and in both instances the LAYEREVAL variable is set to 0. It does not appear to be affecting it.

Danny

[steven-g]

Yeah I just tried again, I get the same results, maybe someone from Autodesk will see this and give an explanation of what the tick box in the template creation dialogue is supposed to do, because it does appear as though it does nothing.

[pendean]

How exactly are you creating a new file from your template? What is the exact process? Your description of the problem is not precise enough for me anyway.

What is your LT version? Is it fully patched/updated?

[Anonymous]

I am using autoCAD LT 2018 with the 2018.1 Update The procedure is as follows: I have created a .dwg file with predefined layers, text styles and dimension styles. Click Save As. I select AutoCAD LT drawing template (*.dwt) from the Files of Type box, then give it a name to save it as a template file. Then the Template Options box shows up, I leave Description blank, Measurement remains as metric, and then select “Save all Layers as Unreconciled”. I then close the template file just created. Click New in the quick access toolbar. Select the template I have created. The new drawing appears, I then open the layer properties manager, and all layers have been created, (i.e. they are not unreconciled) I also noticed that new layers from drawings inserted as blocks are not being evaluated either. Under layer settings I have enabled “New Layer Identification”, select “evaluate all new layers”, and then click all options for “Notify when new layers are present”. When I insert a drawing into my drawing, all its layers are automatically added to my layers without any notification. I would expect that they would be added as unreconciled layers in the Layer Properties Manager. Danny

[pendean]

What are the settings for the following variables:
LAYEREVALCTL
LAYEREVAL
LAYERNOTIFY

FWIW what you describe does not work in AutoCAD/LT2017 or 2016 from what I can test, if I do what you describe.

Q: May I ask why you want a template file you deliberately select to list all of its layers are unreconciled?

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I have tried this in three versions of AutoCAD and as Dean indicated, it does not appear to do anything at all. I am curious as well on what you are trying to see when starting a new file based upon the template.  Since a template basically contains your standard settings I am not clear on why you would want a prompt indicating that your standards are unreconciled.

Please give me some more detail.

[Anonymous]

The template file has a large number of layers that are not all applicable to most of my projects. Its not really that big an issue as I can work around it by purging the unneeded layers as finalise the drawing, or even create a simpler template for my common project drawings. I was really more curious as to why the 2 options when you create the template, when in fact they don't do anything different.

My settings are:

LAYEREVALCTL = 1

LAYEREVAL=2

LAYERNOTIFY=0

Danny

[steven-g]

As noted it does appear that it either doesn't work or the description is misleading, it could also be that the layerevaluation has no effect untill after the file is initially saved (which I read somewhere) and seeing as your template contains the layers it won't make any difference untill it's too late. You could as a work around create a new template with the correct layereval settings but having no layers, then run a macro to initially save the file and then create your list of layers (or save and import a block containing the layers - which you could immediately delete and the layers will stay, this can be done by macro as well).

[pendean · Accepted solution]

>>>...layers that are not all applicable to most of my projects...<<<
If MOST of your projects don't need those layers, why not crate a second template file without those layers? We have many template files (customer specific) so we avoid having just the one template file with ALL content in it, which is exceptionally unhelpful to use for most of our users.

Q: shouldn't LAYERNOTIFY be set to 1 if you use the LAYEREVAL feature?

[john.vellek]

Hi @Anonymous,

I am checking back to see if my post or others helped you with your problem. Please add a post with how you decide to proceed and your results so other Community members may benefit.

If this is a feature that you truly require, I encourage you to contact the team directly through the Product Feedback page.

The links below go into more detail about the best ways to make suggestions.

How to provide feedback on Autodesk products
Raising enhancement requests for Autodesk products

Another great option is to participate in the AutoCAD Customer Council. This is an opportunity for our customers to partner with the AutoCAD development team to improve future releases of AutoCAD by giving continuous feedback on ideas, designs, and early builds.

In order to get involved email autocad.beta@autodesk.com or autocad.lt.council@autodesk.com

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if a post or posts solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

I'll preface my comment with a little background information.  I have been using AutoCAD since 1986 from simple 2D drafting to complex Machinery/ Piping, Outfitting, Structural, and HVAC design for Naval combat vessels.  AutoCAD is supposed to be a baseline for a wide variety of disciplines.  Even for the simple cabinetry and countertop drawings that I do now.  Therefor everything should be set to zero.  I have recently, and reluctantly, purchased ACAD 2021 under the new subscription version.  I have been spending far too much time turning setting off and digging deep, wading through layers of crap to find old settings and for some unfathomable reason Autodesk doesn't want me to find and change these variables.  I have received no help at all from Autodesk and still cannot find some of the answers on this forum.  Such as the unreconciled layers BS that I am running into now.  (to be continued in following post)

[Anonymous]

I do not care about reconciled/ reconciled layers as I am not part of a large CAD pool XREFing drawings.  I am seeking to eliminate all time wasters from my drawing process.  It is quite frustrating trying to find all of the settings that Autodesk has preset to "on".  Again, as a baseline software everything should be set to off and let the user decide what is to be on.  And why did they eliminate the Classic interface?  I find there are numerous posts requesting it back.  I am not interested in what some marketing department thinks I need.  I decide what I need.  Again, back to a baseline., let the user decide.

[RobDraw]

You really should be starting your own thread(s) and address each issue on it's own so that you can mark solutions.

Most features are set to on. It's been that way for as long as I've been using AutoCAD. Your opinions won't matter in this aspect. You really should explore these features before turning them off as they might improve your CADding experience.

The classic interface is passe' in my opinion. Embrace the ribbon, right click menu's, keyboard shortcuts as these will also improve your experience.

---

@Anonymous wrote:

I have received no help at all from Autodesk and still cannot find some of the answers on this forum.  

---

Autodesk isn't going to help you personally with training. There are vast resources available to you for that. The AKN, YouTube, other forums, for a few examples. If you can't find your answers, ask and the solutions you need will be forthcoming if you ask intelligent questions.

Good luck!

[pendean]

>>>... I have been using AutoCAD since 1986 ...<<<
Good to know. Welcome. So you have over the years built up a script file (or LISP) that runs through your preferred variable settings that you launch at a new install to set everything the way yo want, like all of us old timers do. Yay!

>>>...Therefor everything should be set to zero...<<<
That's never been the case: variables are set to what is listed in HELP as the default. Were you always under the "protection" of a CAD Manager that set things up for you with every new version?

>>>...have been spending far too much time turning setting off and digging deep...<<<
Oops, did I assume that you've never created a simple SCRIPT file (or LISP) that did all of that for you before today since the year 1986?

Do you just need to turn off that 'unreconciled layers" notification feature as explained here https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Turn-Off...

>>>... And why did they eliminate the Classic interface?...<<<
It's not 1986 anymore, nor 2015: did you just recently move from a very old variant of AutoCAD older than 2015?

How to Recreate the "Classic" Workspace with all the toolbars and pulldown menus from old (with no Ribbon) in about one minute:

MENUBAR command, turn it on = 1 (4 seconds)
Go to Tools > toolbars > acad > layers (5 seconds)
hoover over layers toolbar > right click > properties (3 seconds)
hoover over any toolbar > right click > standard (3 seconds)
hoover over any toolbar > right click > styles (3 seconds)
hoover over any toolbar > right click > workspaces (3 seconds)
RIBBONCLOSE command (3 seconds)
arrange toolbars as you desire (20 seconds)
WORKSPACE command, SAVEAS option, CLASSIC will be the new name you type (5 seconds)

HTH

[Anonymous]

Moved from 2010, and 2000 before that.  Never needed a LISP file, just imported my arg file and pgp file.  Yes, I am old school.  I have (had) everything I need down to three letters or less.  Left hand typing, right hand mousing.  I never had to look away from the drawing area.  It provides me the speed and accuracy I require.  There is nothing wrong with my methodology as all of the settings still exist to re-create my Acad2000 interface so why shouldn't I use them?  I just can't find them all.  If it wasn't for an OS update and a few vendor requirements (CAD operators who don't know they can save as a 2000 compatible file) I would still be using my 2000 because Autodesk have made zero improvements since then.  Adding a cartoonish ribbon is not an improvement.  Sure they added some online tools but I don't need them. 

So back to my question; I have LAYERNOTIFY and LAYEREVALCTL  set to 0 but I still get the notice.

[Anonymous]

It's not training, it is rightfully a technical question.  But all "tech help" has been farmed out to users these days.

[pendean]

Post a screenshot of this notification please, lets all have a look. let's make sure we are all talking about the same thing.

There is no LISP ability in the LT versions of AutoCAD: do you need help editing the PGP file for letter shortcuts to core commands? and do you require assistance to set up SYSVARMONITOR command to keep track of all of your favorite variables settings in all of your drawings?

[RobDraw]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

It's not training, it is rightfully a technical question.  But all "tech help" has been farmed out to users these days.

---

Learning how to use newer features, like implementing the old interface, is training. If you are researching and teaching yourself, it's self training. 

You seem more interested in complaining than learning. Good luck.