AutoCAD Layer Translator

There will be times when you receive third party DWG's to work with or modify for use. One of the first stumbling blocks is that they are not likely to use the same Layer system as you. I.e. they will probably use different colours, line weights. So, to simplify things, use the AutoCAD Layer Translator (laytrans) to translate their Layers into yours.

View AutoCAD Layers Individually

All geometry and information on AutoCAD drawings will be on a layer, this may be just one, but in most cases this will be several. It may be useful to find out, or look at what information is on each layer to isolate the information.

This could be done via the Layer Properties Manager dialogue, turning the visibility of layers on or off as required.

However, there may be an easier way of doing this, by using the LAYWALK command.

• Open your drawing in AutoCAD, notice that the different colours and line types are represented by geometry being on different Layers in the drawing.

Copy AutoCAD Geometry to Another Layer or New Layer in One

As we are all aware it is very easy to copy geometry in AutoCAD to create another view etc. What if you wanted to not only copy the geometry but put it on a different Layer or perhaps a new Layer?

Well there is a way:

• Open your drawing in AutoCAD
• Type COPYTOLAYER at the command line
• Now select the geometry you want to Copy, then type N, which will show the Copy to layer dialogue

• Here you can either choose a Layer from the list to Copy the geometry to or type the name of a new Layer. Hit OK to complete, if you have chosen to create a new Layer you will be prompted to create it.
• Now simply click down where you want the new geometry to go.