So many un-used layers

[Anonymous]

How to get rid of all the layers that are not being used? even if you open a new blank file, there are already plenty of default layers in the layer dropdown. How can I have only layer 0 when opening a new blank file? I don't want to use Purge command as it will not work most of the time.

Thanks,

[Anonymous]

Hi there - these are typically layers which the default styles/settings reference.  That's why the purge option usually won't erase them, even though they' re not in use.  To get rid of then you'll want to look at your template styles and map your own layers where required.  Then once they're no longer in use you'll be able to purge them.

[neilyj666]

I'm curious as to why you only want Layer 0 in a new file and nothing else?

[Anonymous]

LoL. I know it doesn't sound professional. But I'm very used to old fashion where I create my own layer name for each layer. Also, it's easier to track layers when you have a few of them that actually exist on the plan. 

[rl_jackson · Accepted solution]

You'll need to create a new template with your layers and styles and set that as the default template in the options (OP). If your wanting to start with just layer 0 in your new dwt, create a new drawing from a dwt, and where the name of the template file is you'll see a down arrow to the right, select the down arrow and then select either imperial or metric, depending you units.

[Neilw_05 · Accepted solution]

You do NOT want to start your drawings with only layer zero. Civil 3D objects use styles to control how they are displayed and are essential for controlling how your drawing is displayed and plotted. For example, a surface object can be displayed as existing contours or proposed contours, depending on which style is applied. Also the contour interval is controlled by the style settings. You typically would need a style for 1' contours, 2' contours, 5' contours, and so on. You may also have styles for displaying the surface with different color bands for areas that fall within specific ranges. All these styles and  settings require a lot of time to create.

When you start a new drawing you want all these settings pre-configured so you don't have to re-create them every time. If you start every file with no layers, you will have no control of your objects and your drawing will be severely crippled. I suggest you get better acquainted with the software before you start configuring your template options.

FYI, you can create a new drawing with no layers any time if you have a need to. Look up the help topics on File/New options. There you will find you can create a new file without using a template. It will have only Layer zero.

[Neilw_05]

There is another workflow that you might like. You can start ALL of your drawings without any layers or styles. Then you can bring in styles from another drawing of your choice. To do this you can use the Reference option in the Style Manager. This allows you to select an existing DWG or Template and import it's styles into your drawing. So maybe the last file you worked on has all the latest styles that you like. Just browse to it using the dialogue and when it is attached, all those styles (and layers) will be brought into your drawing. Afterward, detach the reference so you don't have to deal with any synching issues.

There are other ways to accomplish the same results but this is the simplest. If you want to be more selective, you can use the Import option and pick and choose which styles get imported, thus reducing the layers that get imported along with them.

This workflow would only be practical in a single user environment which is what you have implied is your case. In a multi-user environment you will want to create templates that have all the settings pre-configured so the users don't have to figure out which file to use for the latest settings. That is the workflow that is the default setup in the software.

[neilyj666 · Accepted solution]

As suggested by @Neilw_05 you need layers so Civil 3D can organise the objects correctly and creating the layers every time is a phenomenal waste of time.

You can create your own template containing the layers/styles/settings that you like and save it as a template and you can use this for every new drawing as suggested by @rl_jackson - this is the workflow I use. I based it on the UKIE template with modifications for layers/text and leader styles, dim styles etc. I would also suggest that you use layer filters to organise your layers which makes things much easier to manage

You can always purge the unused styles first and then the unused layers (including the ones previously referenced by the purged styles) leaving you a fairly clean drawing

[Anonymous]

@Neilw_05 @neilyj666 @rl_jackson @Anonymous 

Thank you all for your comprehensive responses. I'm very convinced to keep all the layers and not worry about them. I first thought that most of them are not being used anywhere in the file. And also I appreciate the time you put on showing me how to start with the 0 layers. You guys are awesome.

[neilyj666]

I forgot to mention that if you are using 2020 you can PURGE, look at the Non Purgeable objects and drill down to see where they are being used