Autocad Lt Set Draw Order by Layer

• Preparing objects with different properties
• Changing the blocks layer

Every time you create a new AutoCAD drawing, you will see a default layer: Layer 0. This layer can't be deleted.

Then when you define their properties such as color, line weight, etc, you will see ByLayer and ByBlock property. Most of you might already know what is ByLayer means. But do you also know the behavior of ByBlock properties?

In a nutshell, here is the explanation. If you're confused, don't worry. We will do an exercise to comprehend these later.

• Layer 0 is a default AutoCAD layer. When you want to create geometry for blocks, this is default layer for it. When you insert AutoCAD blocks, they will use active layer. Every objects in block that use Layer 0 will use the block layer properties.
• When you define object properties (color, line weight, etc) to ByLayer, all of it properties will use the same properties as it's defined in the layers' properties.
• When you create geometries in your AutoCAD block using ByBlock, then you can override it's properties after the block has been placed.
• When you create geometries in your AutoCAD block other than ByLayer or ByBlock, then you can't override them after your block has been placed.

Confused? Let's create some example to comprehend this better.

Preparing objects with different properties

Open your AutoCAD, in a new file create two layers, you can give them any name. Set different color and lineweight so we can easily distinguish them later.

Now we will create 4 objects, in this example I use circle.

1. First circle use layer 0, color: ByLayer, line weight: ByLayer
2. Second circle use layer 0, color: ByBlock, line weight: ByBlock.
3. Third circle use layer 0, color: red, line weight: 0.5 (we set this very bold so can be easier to see).
4. The last one use layer 1, color: ByLayer, line weight: ByLayer.

Create 4 blocks from each of the circle.

Changing the blocks layer

Now select all those four, then change their layer to Layer 2. You can see block 1 and 2 use the properties, but block 3 and 4 still using it's own properties.

Now override the color and line weight. Use color green, and line weight 2. You can see that the only block using the overridden properties is block no. 2!

Only block no.2 using the block properties, because we set it the geometry properties to by block.

Now freeze Layer1. We can see the block no. 4 disappeared, because the object in it was created on it.

Unfreeze Layer 1, so we can see block no. 4 back. Now freeze layer 2. Remember, we have moved all of the blocks to that layer. What happen? All of the blocks disappear, including block no. 4! This block also disappear because the block itself using Layer 2. When we freeze Layer 1, the block is actually still showing. But the geometry inside it will be disappeared. This will be clearer if we have another object with different layer in that block.

Unfreeze Layer 2, then freeze Layer 0. None of the blocks is disappear! Remember that we created geometry in block 1,2, and 3 using Layer0? They will ignore it and use the new properties.

If you want to understand more about this behavior, try to create more objects in your blocks. Set them to different properties. And play some more with their properties.

Now that you understand their differences, how do you think they will be useful when you create your blocks?

I work as a Solution Consultant in Datech Solutions, Tech Data Indonesia. I've been using AutoCAD since R14 and Revit since Revit Building 9. I occasionally write for AUGIWorld magazine and also active in Autodesk discussion forum.
I'm an Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) for Revit Architecture and AutoCAD. I'm also a member of Autodesk Expert Elite, appreciation for individuals who give contribution to Autodesk community.
Connect with me on twitter or LinkedIn

choihiptaich.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.cad-notes.com/layer-0-bylayer-and-byblock/

Share this post