Layer linking

Creating layer links

Layers are independent of each other. Each design layer has its own scale, view, and render status. In the Vectorworks Fundamentals product, however, a layer link can be created that combines the geometry of several design layers, including referenced layers, onto a single design layer. The linked objects on this design layer display in the same view and scale, and share the same render status. This can then be used to give an accurate depiction of how objects in each layer work together. For example, the various floors of a building can be drawn on separate layers and then linked together into a new layer to form an entire building.

In the Vectorworks Fundamentals product, consider using viewports instead of layer links, as they provide a better and easier way to present drawings.

In the Vectorworks Design Suite products, layer links have been replaced by design layer viewports. For backward compatibility, the Create Layer Link command can still be added to any of the Vectorworks Design Suite workspaces, and existing layer links can still be viewed and edited. For information on design layer viewports, see Creating design layer viewports.

The layer link is created on a new design layer that contains links to the existing design layers of the drawing. 3D objects on selected layers are automatically linked; 2D planar objects can be displayed in the layer link. Once the layer link is created, updates to the design layers are automatically reflected on the linked layer when a screen redraw occurs. However, this updating occurs only in one direction; any new objects or details added to the linked layer will not appear in any other layers. Linked objects cannot be edited on the linked layer; they must be edited on their source layer.

To create a layer link:

Create a new layer, and then make it the active layer.

This layer shows objects on all linked layers and any changes made to them.

Select the command (Fundamentals workspace only).

The Create Layer Link dialog box opens; the layer being linked to (the currently active layer) is not listed.

Click to show/hide the parameters.Click to show/hide the parameters.

Select the design layers to be linked from the list of existing layers.

Linked layers are locked objects. To unlock a linked layer, select Modify > Unlock. Double-click an item in the layer link to return to its source layer and edit it.

To project 2D planar or screen objects after a layer link has been created, select and then unlock the layer link object. Select the options from the Object Info palette.

Cropping layer links

Creating sheet layer viewports

Creating design layer viewports

Converting layer links