Layers

[ms.halvorsen]

I´m not sure I´posting this in the right place, but...

I´m trying to learn how to use AutoCad, and was told not to lock layers, why is that? I thought it would be better to lock a layer, rather than turning it off. I like to see what I have drawn, without "jumping" between layers all the time.

[rkmcswain]

It's not really a choice between "off" and "lock". Locking a layer simply prevents you from accidentally modifying objects on that layer - they are still visible. Turning a layer "off" (or freezing it) makes objects on that layer invisible.

I'm not sure why someone would have told you to not lock layers. It has it's place.

[CADDmanVA]

It's not really a choice between "off" and "lock". Locking a layer simply prevents you from accidentally modifying objects on that layer - they are still visible. Turning a layer "off" (or freezing it) makes objects on that layer invisible.

I'm not sure why someone would have told you to not lock layers. It has it's place.

Another benefit to locking a layer-if you are using 2008-is the layer fading effect. I love this for XREF's. Something else to keep in mind, there is a difference between turning a layer off and freezing it. A frozen layer will not be considered when regenerating the drawing, whereas a layer turned off will.

[Chris.N]

Another benefit to locking a layer-if you are using 2008-is the layer fading effect. I love this for XREF's. Something else to keep in mind, there is a difference between turning a layer off and freezing it. A frozen layer will not be considered when regenerating the drawing, whereas a layer turned off will.
same for hatching. seems blocks on "off" layers are still in gear when picking points for hatches. freezing those layers removes them from the island detection (speeds things up)

[dgorsman]

[QUOTE=rkmcswain;784113I'm not sure why someone would have told you to not lock layers. It has it's place.[/QUOTE]

For new (and I mean, new-new) users, its often easier and more effective to say "DON'T" now, and leave the complex "MAYBE" situations for later instruction, particularly if the user is just an in-fill to meet a deadline. Not to suggest the original poster is, of course.

[rkmcswain]

For new (and I mean, new-new) users, its often easier and more effective to say "DON'T" now, and leave the complex "MAYBE" situations for later instruction, particularly if the user is just an in-fill to meet a deadline. Not to suggest the original poster is, of course.

The OP said



I thought it would be better to lock a layer, rather than turning it off.

...implying that they do the same thing. I was just trying to clarify the difference. I don't think locking layers is all that "advanced" anyway.... but just my opinion.