Lesson 5: Layers

Layers

Use layers to organize your drawing and keep everything clear and easy to manage.

When your drawing gets busy, you don’t have to look at everything at once. You can hide parts you’re not working on by turning off their layers.

For example, in the image below, the doors and electrical wiring were hidden by turning off their layers.

What Are Layers?

Think of layers like clear plastic sheets stacked on top of each other. Each sheet has different objects on it—walls, furniture, measurements, etc.

Using layers helps you:

• Group objects by what they do or where they are
• Hide or show entire groups of objects with one click
• Apply consistent colors, linetypes, and other settings to similar objects

Important: Don’t draw everything on one layer. Using layers is one of the best ways to stay organized in AutoCAD.

Layer Controls

To see and manage your layers, type LAYER or LA in the command line, or click Layer Properties on the ribbon.

This opens the Layer Properties Manager.

In the example below, the current layer is called 10 WALLS (you can see the green checkmark next to it). That means everything new you draw will go on that layer.

Layers with a dark light bulb icon are turned off—this hides everything on those layers (like the doors and wiring in this case).

Tip: Start your layer names with numbers (like “10 WALLS”) to control the order. That way, they won’t get mixed up alphabetically.

Smart Naming Tips

For big drawings, use more detailed names. For example:

• Start with 3 digits (like 101, 201, 301)
• Add codes to show the floor, project, or type of object

This makes it easier to keep track of things in larger projects.

Practical Layer Tips

• Layer 0 is the default layer in every drawing, but it’s best not to use it for drawing. Create your own layers with clear names.
• If your drawing has dimensions, it will automatically include a layer called Defpoints. Don’t delete it.
• Create a layer for construction lines or notes—things you don’t always want to see or print.
• Use a separate layer for layout viewports (explained in another topic).
• Create a dedicated layer for hatches and fills so you can hide them quickly when needed.

Layer Settings

Here are the main settings you’ll use in the Layer Properties Manager:

• Turn off layers – Hides the objects on that layer from view
  
• Freeze layers – Like turning them off, but helps AutoCAD run faster in big drawings
  
• Lock layers – Prevents you from accidentally changing things on that layer; objects will look faded
  
• Set default properties – Pick the color, linetype, lineweight, and transparency for new objects on each layer

Creating and Using Layers

To create a new layer, click the New Layer button, then give it a name.

To make a different layer active, click the layer name and then the button to set it as current.

Once it’s current, any new objects you draw will go on that layer.

Quick Access to Layers

You don’t always need the full Layer Manager. For quick changes:

• Go to the Home tab → Layers panel
• The current layer name is shown
  
• Click the drop-down arrow to see all layers
  
• Click a layer name to make it current

• Click icons next to a layer to change its settings (on/off, lock, color, etc.)

Tip: From time to time, double-check which layer is active before drawing something new.

Stick to a Layer Standard

It’s really important—especially on team projects—to follow a consistent layer system.

When everyone uses the same layer names and settings, it makes the drawing:

• Easier to read
• Easier to share
• Easier to maintain

If your company has a layer system, follow it. Or if you work alone, create your own layer set and save it in a drawing template, so it’s ready every time you start a new project.

Summary

Layers help you keep your drawing neat and flexible. You can:

• Show or hide groups of objects easily
• Assign default properties (like color and linetype) to each layer
• Work more efficiently and avoid clutter

Note: Some AutoCAD users manage all properties through layers. Others apply properties directly to objects. You’ll learn more about object properties in the next topic.Some AutoCAD users manage all properties through layers. Others apply properties directly to objects. You’ll learn more about object properties in the next topic.