12. Advanced Utilities

What is Block?

Block is the named group of selected objects that makes a meaningful shape like chairs, sofa etc. This block definition can be stored within the current drawing file (BLOCK command) or outside the current drawing as a separate drawing file (WBLOCK command) and can be referenced any time using its name within any command where it is required. There are two main advantages after creating a block and these are
· You can make selection of whole block object by clicking on any one element because they are grouped
· You can create multiple copies of block object using “INSERT” command.
Block commands are available in Block panel of Home Ribbon.

How to create a block (Group of Objects) from Selected Object

Tool: (Home/Block Panel)
Command: BLOCK
This command will save the block definition with current drawing. This command will open a following Dialog Box:

List of Options
Name : Names the block. The name can have up to 255 characters and can include letters, numbers, blank spaces, and any special character not used by the operating system or the program for other purposes. The block name and definition are saved in the current drawing.
Preview : If an existing block is selected under Name, displays a preview of the block.
Base Point
Specifies an insertion base point for the block. The default value is 0,0,0.
Specify On-Screen: Prompts you to specify the base point when the dialog box is closed.
Pick Insertion Base Point: Temporarily closes the dialog box so that you can specify an insertion base point in the current drawing.
X: Specifies the X coordinate value.
Y: Specifies the Y coordinate value.
Z: Specifies the Z coordinate value.
Objects
Specifies the objects to include in the new block and whether to retain or delete the selected objects or convert them to a block instance after you create the block.
Specify On-Screen: Prompts you to specify the objects when the dialog box is closed.
Select Objects: Closes the Block Definition dialog box temporarily while you select the objects for the block. When you finish selecting objects, press Enter to redisplay the Block Definition dialog box.
Quick Select: Displays the Quick Select dialog box, which defines a selection set.
Retain: Retains the selected objects as distinct objects in the drawing after you create the block.
Convert to Block: Converts the selected objects to a block instance in the drawing after you create the block.
Delete: Deletes the selected objects from the drawing after you create the block.
Objects Selected: Displays the number of selected objects.
Behavior
Specifies the behavior of the block.
Annotative: Specifies that the block is annotative. Click the information icon to learn more about annotative objects.
Match Block Orientation to Layout: Specifies that the orientation of the block references in paper space viewports matches the orientation of the layout. This option is unavailable if the Annotative option is cleared.
Scale Uniformly: Specifies whether or not the block reference is prevented from being non-uniformly scaled.
Allow Exploding: Specifies whether or not the block reference can be exploded.
Settings
Specifies settings for the block.
Block Unit: Specifies the insertion units for the block reference.
Hyperlink: Opens the Insert Hyperlink dialog box, which you can use to associate a hyperlink with the block definition to open any website.
Description
Specifies the text description of the block.
Open in Block Editor
Opens the current block definition in the Block Editor when you click OK. The Block Editor contains a special area in which you can draw and edit geometry as you would in the drawing area.

Procedure to create a new drawing file from selected objects:

(Refer the above Dialog Box for all steps)
1. At the Command prompt, enter BLOCK.
2. In the NAME area type a new name for your block object.
3. Click Select Objects button.
4. Use your pointing device to select the objects to be included in the new drawing. Press Enter to complete object selection.
5. Under Base Point section, specify the point to be the origin point (0,0,0) for the new drawing using one of these methods:
· Click Specify Point to specify a point using the pointing device.
· Enter the X,Y,Z coordinate values of the point.
6. Click OK.

How to create a block from Selected Object and save into separate Drawing file

Command: WBLOCK
This is the same command as BLOCK command but save the block definition into separate drawing file. You can also create a new drawing file from existing block definition. This command will open a following Dialog Box:

List of Options
Source
Specifies blocks and objects, saves them as a file, and specifies insertion points.
Block: Specifies an existing block to save as a file. Select a name from the list.
Entire Drawing: Selects current drawing to save as another file.
Objects: Selects objects to save as a file. Specify a base point and select objects below.
Base Point
Specifies a base point for the block. The default value is 0,0,0.
Pick Point: Temporarily closes the dialog box so that you can specify an insertion base point in the current drawing.
X: Specifies the X coordinate value for the base point.
Y: Specifies the Y coordinate value for the base point.
Z: Specifies the Z coordinate value for the base point.
Objects
Sets the effect of block creation on objects used to create a block.
Retain: Retains the selected objects in the current drawing after saving them as a file.
Convert to Block: Converts the selected object or objects to a block in the current drawing after saving them as a file.
Delete from Drawing: Deletes the selected objects from the current drawing after saving them as a file.
Select Objects Button: Temporarily closes the dialog box so that you can select one or more objects to save to the file.
Quick Select Button: Opens the Quick Select dialog box, which you can use to filter your selection set.
Objects Selected: Indicates the number of objects selected.
Destination
Specifies the new name and location of the file and the units of measurement to be used when the block is inserted.
File Name and Path: Specifies a file name and path where the block or objects will be saved.
[...]: Displays a standard file selection dialog box.
Insert Units: Specifies the unit value to be used for automatic scaling when inserted as a block in a drawing that uses different units. Select Unitless if you do not want to automatically scale the drawing when you insert it.

Procedure to create a new drawing file from selected objects:

(Refer above Dialog Box for all steps)

1. Open an existing drawing or create a new drawing.
2. At the Command prompt, enter WBLOCK.
3. In the Write Block dialog box, select Objects.

4. If you want the original objects used to create the new drawing to remain in your drawing, make sure the Delete From Drawing option is not selected. If this option is selected, the original objects are erased from the drawing.

5. Click Select Objects.
6. Use your pointing device to select the objects to be included in the new drawing. Press Enter to complete object selection.
7. In the Write Block dialog box under Base Point, specify the point to be the origin point (0,0,0) for the new drawing using one of these methods:
   1. Click Specify Point to specify a point using the pointing device.
   2. Enter the X,Y,Z coordinate values of the point.
8. Under Destination, enter a file name and path for the new drawing, or click the [...] button to display a standard file selection dialog box.
9. Click OK.

How to Insert a block to add into Drawing

Tool: (Home/Block Panel)
Command: INSERT
This command will insert the specified named BLOCK or WBLOCK at specified position into the Drawing file. This command will open a following Dialog Box:

Name
Specifies the name of a block to insert, or the name of a file to insert as a block.
Browse: Opens the Select Drawing File dialog box (a standard file selection dialog box) where you can select a block or drawing file to insert.
Path: Specifies the path to the block.
Locate Using Geographic Data: Inserts drawing using geographic data as the reference. This option is available only if both drawings have geographic data.
Preview: Displays a preview of the specified block to insert.
Insertion Point
Specifies the insertion point for the block.
Specify On-Screen: Specifies the insertion point of the block using the pointing device.
X: Sets the X coordinate value.
Y: Sets the Y coordinate value.
Z: Sets the Z coordinate value.
Scale
Specifies the scale for the inserted block. Specifying negative values for the X, Y, and Z scale factors inserts a mirror image of a block.
Specify On-Screen: Specifies the scale of the block using the pointing device.
X: Sets the X scale factor.
Y: Sets the Y scale factor.
Z: Sets the Z scale factor.
Uniform Scale: Specifies a single scale value for X, Y, and Z coordinates.
Rotation
Specifies the rotation angle for the inserted block in the current UCS.
Specify On-Screen: Specifies the rotation of the block using the pointing device.
Angle: Sets a rotation angle for the inserted block.
Block Unit
Displays information about the block units.
Unit: Specifies a drawing-units value for automatic scaling of blocks, images, or xrefs inserted or attached to a drawing.
Factor: Displays the unit scale factor, which is calculated based on the unit value of the block and the drawing units.
Explode
Explodes the block and inserts the individual parts of the block. When Explode is selected, you can specify a uniform scale factor only.

How to create Attributes to add with Block

Tool: (Home/Block Panel)
Command: ATTDEF
This command displays Dialog Box to creates an attribute for storing data in a block. An Attribute is an object that is created and included with a block definition. Attributes can store data such as object name, its type etc.
Following is the Dialog Box displayed:

List of Options
Mode
Sets options for attribute values associated with a block when you insert the block in a drawing.
Invisible: Specifies that attribute values are not displayed or printed when you insert the block..
Constant: Gives attributes a fixed value for block insertions.
Verify: Prompts you to verify that the attribute value is correct when you insert the block.
Preset: Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block containing a preset attribute.
Lock Position: Locks the location of the attribute within the block reference. When unlocked, the attribute can be moved relative to the rest of the block using grip editing, and multiline attributes can be resized.
Multiple Lines: Specifies that the attribute value can contain multiple lines of text. When this option is selected, you can specify a boundary width for the attribute.
Attribute
Sets attribute data.
Tag: Identifies each occurrence of an attribute in the drawing. Enter the attribute tag using any combination of characters except spaces. Lowercase letters are automatically changed to uppercase.
Prompt: Specifies the prompt that is displayed when you insert a block containing this attribute definition. If you do not enter a prompt, the attribute tag is used as a prompt. If you select Constant in the Mode area, the Prompt option is not available.
Default: Specifies the default attribute value.
Insert Field Button: Displays the built-in Field dialog box. You can insert a field as all or part of the value for an attribute.

Multiline Editor Button: When Multiple Line mode is selected, displays an in-place text editor with a text formatting toolbar and ruler.
Insertion Point
Specifies the location for the attribute. Enter coordinate values or select Specify On-screen and use the pointing device to specify the placement of the attribute in relation to the objects that it will be associated with.
Specify On-Screen: Displays a Start Point prompt when the dialog box closes. Use the pointing device to specify the placement of the attribute in relation to the objects that it will be associated with.
X: Specifies the X coordinate of the attribute's insertion point.
Y: Specifies the Y coordinate of the attribute's insertion point.
Z: Specifies the Z coordinate of the attribute's insertion point.
Text Settings
Sets the justification, style, height, and rotation of the attribute text.
Justification: Specifies the justification of the attribute text.
Text Style: Specifies a predefined text style for the attribute text. Currently loaded text styles are displayed. For more information see STYLE command.
Annotative: Specifies that the attribute is annotative. If the block is annotative, the attribute will match the orientation of the block.
Text Height: Specifies the height of the attribute text. Enter a value, or choose Height to specify a height with your pointing device. The height is measured from the origin to the location you specify. If you select a text style that has fixed height (anything other than 0.0), or if you select Align in the Justification list, the Height option is not available.
Rotation: Specifies the rotation angle of the attribute text. Enter a value, or choose Rotation to specify a rotation angle with your pointing device. The rotation angle is measured from the origin to the location you specify. If you select Align or Fit in the Justification list, the Rotation option is not available.
Boundary Width: Specifies the maximum length of the lines of text in a multiple-line attribute before wrapping to the next line. A value of 0.000 means that there is no restriction on the length of a line of text. This option is not available for single-line attributes.
Align Below Previous Attribute Definition
Places the attribute tag directly below the previously defined attribute. If you have not previously created an attribute definition, this option is not available.

Procedure to create Attribute and attach with any block:

1) Define a new attribute using a Dialog box. For Example create a ChairNo attribute for any chair object as described in above dialog box.
2) When you click OK button, command ask to align Tag name relative with the possible block.

3) Create a new block definition using BLOCK or WBLOCK and include this Attribute.
4) Now when you insert this block using INSERT command it will ask to enter chair number or you can take the default number.

How to edit existing Attributes values and other properties

Tool: (Home/Block Panel)
Command: EATTEDIT (Single Attribute) and ATTEDIT (Multiple Attribute)
These commands are used to modify existing attributes. Following is the example to modify attributes one by one for any object:
1) EATTEDIT command asks to select object that have any attached attribute. After selection it will opens the following dialog box:

2) You can change Attribute properties provided into three tabs called Attribute, Text Options and Properties.

How to manage Attributes of all Blocks

Tool: (Home/Block Panel)
Command: BATTMAN
Following is the dialog box is displayed by this command. This dialog box has the collection of all existing blocks with attributes of each block. You can select any block from the list and manage its attributes.

List of Options
Select Block: You can use your pointing device to select a block from the drawing area. When you choose Select Block, the dialog box closes until you select a block from the drawing or you cancel by pressing ESC.
If you modify attributes of a block and then select a new block before you save the attribute changes you made, you are prompted to save the changes before selecting another block.
Block: Lists all block definitions in the current drawing that have attributes. Select the block whose attributes you want to modify.
List of Attributes: Displays the properties of each attribute in the selected block.
Blocks Found in Drawing: Reports the total number of instances of the selected block in the current drawing.
Blocks Found in Current Space: Reports the number of instances of the selected block in the current model space or layout.
Sync: Updates all instances of the selected block with the attribute properties currently defined. This does not affect any values assigned to attributes in each block. This is also available as a separate command (ATTSYNC).
Move Up: Moves the selected attribute tag earlier in the prompt sequence. The Move Up button is not available when a constant attribute is selected.
Move Down: Moves the selected attribute tag later in the prompt sequence. The Move Down button is not available when a constant attribute is selected.
Edit: Opens the Edit Attribute dialog box, where you can modify attribute properties.
Remove: Removes the selected attribute from the block definition. If Apply Changes to Existing References is selected in the Settings dialog box before you choose Remove, the attribute is removed from all instances of the block in the current drawing. The Remove button is not available for blocks with only one attribute.
Settings: Opens the Block Attribute Settings dialog box, where you can customize how attribute information is listed in the Block Attribute Manager.
Apply: Applies the changes you made, but leaves the dialog box open.

How to update all copies (Instance) of any Block

Tool: (Home/Block Panel)
Command: ATTSYNC

This command updates block references with new and changed attributes (not attribute values) from a specified block definition. Use this command to update all instances of a block containing attributes that was redefined using the BLOCK or BEDIT commands. ATTSYNC does not change any values assigned to attributes in existing blocks. This command can also be used within Block Attribute Manager.

How to restore Attribute visibility status

Tool: (Home/Block Panel)
Command: ATTDISP


This command restores the original visibility of each block attribute, visible or hidden.
Command prompt options:
1) Normal: Restores the visibility settings of each attribute. Visible attributes are displayed. Invisible attributes are not displayed.
2) On: Makes all attributes visible, overriding the original visibility settings.
3) Off: Makes all attributes invisible, overriding the original visibility settings.

How to define Base point for entire drawing

Tool: (Home/Utilities Panel)
Command: BASE

This command defines a base point for entire drawing. This base point is used when entire drawing is inserted like a block in any other drawing file. The base point is expressed as coordinates in the current UCS.

How to select multiple objects quickly by using their properties

Tool: (Home/Utilities Panel)
Command: QSELECT
This command helps to select multiple objects based on filtering criteria. QSELECT filters selection sets by object type and property. For example, you can select all circles or you can select all text objects that uses a specified text style.
This command display following dialog box:

List of Options
Apply To: Applies the filtering criteria to the entire drawing or to the current selection set if any exists. If Append to Current Selection Set is selected, the filtering criteria are applied to the entire drawing.
Select Objects: Temporarily closes the Quick Select dialog box so that you can select the objects to which you want to apply the filter criteria.
Object Type: Specifies the type of objects to include in the filtering criteria. If the filtering criteria are being applied to the entire drawing, the Object Type list includes all object types, including custom. Otherwise, the list includes only the object types of the selected objects.
Properties: Specifies the object property for the filter. This list includes all searchable properties for the selected object type. The property you select determines the options available in Operator and Value.
Operator: Controls the range of the filter. Use the Select All option to ignore all properties filters.
Value: Specifies the property value for the filter.
How to Apply: Specifies whether you want the new selection set to include or exclude objects that match the specified filtering criteria. Select Include in New Selection Set to create a new selection set composed only of objects that match the filtering criteria. Select Exclude from New Selection Set to create a new selection set composed only of objects that do not match the filtering criteria.
Append to Current Selection Set: Specifies whether the selection set created by QSELECT replaces or is appended to the current selection set.

How to use Quick Calculator

Tool: (Home/Utilities Panel)
Command: QUICKCALC
Performs a full range of mathematical, scientific, and geometric calculations, creates and uses variables, and converts units of measurement. This command open following calculator:

List of Options
1) ToolBar
Clear: Clears the Input box.
Clear History: Clears the history area.
Paste Value to Command Line: Pastes the value in the Input box at the Command prompt. When QuickCalc is used transparently during a command, this button is replaced by the Apply button at the bottom of the calculator.
Get Coordinates: Calculates the coordinates of a point.
Distance Between Two Points: Calculates the distance between two points. The calculated distance always displays as a unitless decimal value.
Angle of Line Defined by Two Points: Calculates the angle of two points.
Two Lines Defined by Four Points: Calculates the intersection of four points.
2) History Area: Displays a running list of previously evaluated expressions. The History area shortcut menu provides several options, including copying a selected expression to the Clipboard.
3) Input Box: Provides a box where you enter and retrieve expressions.
4) More/Less Button: Hides or Displays all QuickCalc function areas. Right-click to select individual function areas to hide or display.
5) Number Pad: Provides a standard calculator keypad where you enter numbers and symbols for arithmetic expressions.
6) Scientific Area: Evaluates trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, and other expressions commonly associated with scientific and engineering applications.
7) Units Conversion Area: Converts units of measurement from one unit type to another unit type. The units conversion area accepts only decimal values without units.
Units Type: Select length, area, volume, and angular values from a list.
Convert From: Lists the units of measurement from which to convert.
Convert To: Lists the units of measurement to which to convert.
Value to Convert: Provides a box to enter a value to convert.
Converted Value: Converts the units entered and displays the converted value.
Calculator Icon: Returns the converted value to the Input box.
8) Variables Area: Provides access to predefined constants and functions. You can use the Variables area to define and store additional constants and functions.

How to find the coordinates of visually specified point

Tool: (Home/Utilities Panel)
Command: ID
Using this command you can get the UCS coordinate values of a specified location. ID command lists the X, Y and Z values of the specified point and stores the coordinate of the specified point as the last point. You can also reference the last point by using the relative coordinate system (using @) at the next prompt that request the point.

How to Measure different properties of any Object

Tool: (Home/Utilities Panel)
Command: MEASUREGEOM
This command gives the choice to Measures the distance, radius, angle, area, and volume of selected objects or sequence of points. Click on down arrow on the tool to display all choices as a tool:

Following is the example to find distance between to points:

Command prompt options:
1) Distance: Measures the distance between specified points. The following display at the Command prompt and in the tooltip:
· The current UCS X axis
· Distance in X direction (Delta X)
· Distance in Y direction (Delta Y)
Multiple Points
A running total of distance based on existing line segments and the current rubber-band line is calculated. The total updates as you move the cursor and displays in the tooltip.
2) Radius: Measures the radius and diameter of a specified arc or circle.
3) Angle: Measures the angle of a specified arc, circle, line, or vertex.
Arc: Measures the angle of an arc.
Circle: Measures a specified angle within a circle. The angle updates as you move the cursor.
Line: Measures the angle between two lines.
Vertex: Measures the angle of a vertex.
4) Area: Measures the area and perimeter of an object or defined area. This command cannot calculate the area of a self-intersecting object.
Specify Corner Points: Calculates the area and perimeter defined by specified points.
Add Area: Turns on Add mode and keeps a running total of area as you define areas. You can use the Add Area option to calculate the
· Individual areas of defined areas and objects
· Individual perimeters of defined areas and objects
· Total area of all defined areas and objects
· Total perimeter of all defined areas and objects
Subtract Area: Subtracts a specified area from the total area. The total area and perimeter displays at the Command prompt and in the tooltip.
5) Volume: Measures the volume of an object or a defined area. Generally this option is used for 3D objects.

11. Object Properties and Layer Management

Every object that you draw has its own properties. Among these, some general properties are Layer, Color, Line Type, Line weight, Transparency and Plot Style. Some properties are specific to object like length of a line, radius of a circle etc.
You can organize objects within your drawing and control how they are displayed and plotted by changing their properties. You can change the object properties in your drawing by using
1. the properties palette or,
2. the quick properties palette or,
3. using CHPROP command
CHPROP is the command line method to change object properties.

Using Home Ribbon Property Panel

The Property Panel provides the most common properties to view and modify. Properties in Property Panel may vary in following cases:
· If no object are selected, the panel displays the default properties for the object to be created in future,
· If one or more objects are selected, the control displays the current properties for the selected objects.
· If one or more object are selected and their properties vary, the controls for those properties will be blank
· If one or more objects are selected and a property is changed on the Ribbon, the selected objects will change to the specified value.

1. Object Color: This option provides a choice of colors, to make either selected color as current, if no objects are selected or changes the color of the selected objects. BYLAYER is the current layer color default to all current object of this layer.
2. Line Weight: This option provides you with a choice of line weights to make current, if no objects are selected or changes the line weight of the selected object. Line Weight is only visible when Show/Hide Line Weight Tool (on status Bar) is set to ON. BYLAYER is the current layer default line weight default to all current object of this layer.
3. Line Type: This option provides you with a choice of line type to make current, if no objects are selected or changes the line type of the selected object. BYLAYER is the current layer default line type default to all current object of this layer.
4. Plot Style: Displays and set the current plot style to print on paper. This style is mapped with object’s color property.
5. Transparency- This option change the transparency of an object. Provides a choice of transparency to make current, if no object are selected or changes the transparency of selected objects. Transparency is useful to view overlapped objects. This option only affects the display on the screen when Show/Hide Transparency tool (on status bar) is set to ON. It does not affect plotting or plot preview. BYLAYER is the current layer default transparency default to all current object of this layer.
6. List: Display all the properties of a selected object in a text window.

Using Property Palette

The properties palette lists the current settings for properties of the selected object or set of objects. The properties palette operates similarly to the properties panel. Properties in property palette may vary in following cases:
· When more than one object is selected, the properties palette displays only those properties common to all objects in the selection set.
· When no objects are selected, the properties palette displays only the general properties of the current layer.

Using Quick Properties Palette

The Quick Properties Palette lists the most commonly used properties for each object type. You can specify common properties using CUI command. CUI is the Customized User Interface editor. Properties in Quick Properties Palette may vary in following cases:
· When one or more object of the same type are selected, the Quick Properties Palette displays the selected properties of that object type.
· When two or more object of different types are selected , the Quick Properties Palette displays the common properties, if any , for all objects in the selection set.

Layer Management

Layers are like transparent overlapped papers on which you can organize your drawing objects. Layers are used to group information in a drawing by their functions and apply global formatting to all same layer objects like color, line type etc.
Fig 10e5(due)
By organizing different types of drawing objects on different layer you can control following-
· Whether objects on a layer are visible or dimmed.
· Whether or how objects are plotted.
· What color is assigned to all objects on a layer?
· What default line type and line weight are assigned to all objects on a layer.
· Whether objects on a layer can be modified
Every drawing includes a layer named 0. Layer 0 cannot be deleted or renamed. Use this layer to place the general purpose objects otherwise create new layers to organize your whole drawing objects., so that you may get the full advantage of layers. Layer Management tools are available in Layer Panel of the HOME RIBBON.

How to change Layer Properties

Tool : Layer Properties (Home\ Layer Panel)
Command: LAYER
LAYER Command displays a Layer Management Dialog Box. This dialog box displays a list of the layers in the drawing and their properties.

Following is the detailed description of each option available in the dialog box:
1. Current Layer: Display the name of the current Layer
2. New Property Filter: Display a dialog box where you can create a layer filter based on one or more properties of the layer.


3. New Group Filter: Creates a group of selected layer and apply filter on to them if required. You can drag any layer name from all layers and drop on group name to add layer into group.

4. Layer States Manager- Displays a dialog box to save current layer properties status with a name and then restore back when required.

5. New Layer- Creates a new Layer. The list displays a layer named LAYER1. The name is selected so that you can type a new layer name immediately. The new layer copy the properties of the currently selected layer in the layer list i.e. color, ON or OFF state and so on. The new layer is created below the last selected layer.

6. New Layer VP (View Port) frozen in all View Ports: Creates a new layer and freezes it in all existing layout viewports.
7. Delete Layer: Deletes selected empty layers. That means a layer can only be deleted when contains no objects and must not be a current layer.
8. Set Current: Set the selected layers as the current layer. Objects that you create are drawn on the current layer.

9. Search for Layer: Filter the layer list by name as you enter characters.
10. Refresh: Refreshes the layer information by revising all the entities in the drawing.
11. Settings: Displays a dialog box to change new layer notification settings.
12. Filters: Display the list of all filters. Click on any filter to see layers on that filter.
13. Layer List: Display layers with following properties:
· Status: Indicate the layer status from
i. Layer Filter
ii. Layer in Use
iii. Empty Layer
iv. Current Layer
· Name: Display the name of the layer or Filter. Press F2 to change Layer Name i.e. Rename
· ON: Turns the selected layer ON and OFF. When a layer is ON, it is visible and available for plotting. When a layer is OFF, it is hidden and cannot be plotted.
· Freeze: Freezes the selected layer in all viewport. Objects on frozen layers are not displayed, plotted, hidden or regenerated. You can freeze layers to speed up ZOOM, PAN and any other Operation
· Lock: On/OFF Lock State of the layer. Objects on a Locked Layer cannot be modified.
· Color: Change the Layer associated Color by using a Color Dialog Box. Color Change is applied to all the objects of that Layer.
· Line Type: Change the Layer associated line type by using a Dialog Box. Line type Change is applied to all the objects of that Layer.
· Line Weight: Change the Layer associated line weight by using a Dialog Box. Line weight Change is applied to all the objects of that Layer.
· Transparency: Controls the visibility of all objects on the selected layer. Display a dialog box to change transparency value
· Plot Style: Change the Plot Style associated with the selected layers, if you are not working with color dependent plot style.
· Plot: Set ON/OFF to control whether the selected layers are plotted. Object of this layer is visible in drawing on screen but not plotted on paper.
· New VP Freeze: Freezes selected layers in new Layout View Ports, but still visible in previous view port.
· Description: Describes the layer of the Layer Filter.
14. Invert Filter: Display all layers that do not meet the criteria in the selected layer property filter.

How to set any object’s Layer as Current Layer

Tool: Make Objects Layer current (Home\Layer Panel)
Command: LAYMCUR
Select object before or after clicking this tool to make selected object’s layer as current layer.

How to shift object from one layer to another

Tool: Match( Home \Layer Panel)
Command: LAYMCH
Change the layer of a selected object to match the destination layer. If you create an object on wrong layer, you can change its layer by just selecting the object on the desired layer.
Following are the steps to do this:
· First select objects that are required to shift on another layer.
· Click the tool
· Select any one object from desired layer.

How to UNDO Layer Changes

Tool: Previous (Home \ Layer Panel)
Command: LAYERP
Undo the last change or set of changes made to layer settings such as Color, Line Type etc. If settings are restored, a message is displayed “Restore Previous Layer States”
Every change you make to layer settings is tracked and can be undone by using this command except following changes- (Add Fig- Command Window)
· Renamed Layer: If you rename a layer and change its properties, layers previous restores the original properties but not the original name.
· Deleted Layer: Deleted Layers cannot be restored by this command
· Added Layers- Added Layers cannot be renamed using this layer.

How to work on selected objects only

Tool: Isolate (Home \Layer Panel)
Command: LAYISO


All Layers except the layers of the selected objects are either turns off, frozen or locked depending on the current settings. The layer whose objects are selected, is called ISOLATED
Command Prompt Options
1. Select objects on the layer to be isolated or [settings]- Select object or press “S” to change current settings from lock or off layer objects.

How to restore from Isolation state

Tool: UNISOLATE (Home \Layer Panel)
Command: LAYUNISO
Reverses the effect of the LAYISO command. Restores all layers that were hidden or locked with LAYISO. Any changes made in layer during Isolation are retained.

How to Hide Layer Contents

Tool: Freeze ( Home\Layer Panel)
Command: LAYFRZ
Freeze the layers of selected objects. Objects on the frozen layers are hidden. In large drawings this toll is very handy to ON/OFF unwanted objects from screen. TO freeze any layer contents, first select any object from that layer and click the tool

How to turn OFF any Layer

Tools: OFF ( Home \ Layers Panel)
Command: LAYOFF
Turns OFF the layer of the selected object. Turning OFF the layers, hides all objects from that layer. To Turn OFF any Layer, first select any object from that layer and click the tool.
Note: Layer Turn OFF makes them invisible to top EYE but freezes/ then makes them invisible to EYE as well as AUTOCAD so if you need to Show/Hide Objects frequently then use layer Turn OFF command, otherwise use Layer Freeze Command.

How to save and Restore status of Layer Property

Tool: Layer State (Home\Layers Panel)
Command: LAYERSTATE
This command gives the facility to save status of current layer including their property values. Thus, this command creates the savepoint for layers and when we need that layer status, we can restore them.
This command opens the Layer State Manager Dialog Box. Dialog Box displays a list of saved layer states in the drawing. You can create, rename, edit and delete layer states.
Layer States
Lists the named layer states that have been saved in the drawing.
Don’t List Layer States in Xrefs
Controls whether layer states in xrefs are displayed.
New
Displays the New Layer State to Save dialog box, where you can provide a name and a description for the new named layer state.

Save
Saves the selected named layer state.
Edit
Displays the Edit Layer State dialog box, where you can modify a selected named layer state.

Rename
Allows in-place editing of the layer state name.
Delete
Removes the selected named layer state.
Import
Displays a standard file selection dialog box, where you can load a previously exported layer state (LAS) file into the current drawing. Layer states in files (DWG, DWS, or DWT) can be imported. Additional layers may be created as a result of importing a layer state file. When a DWG, DWS, or DWT file is selected, the Select Layer States dialog box is displayed where you can select layer states to import.

Export
Displays a standard file selection dialog box, where you can save the selected named layer state to a layer state (LAS) file.

Restore
Restores state and property settings of all layers in a drawing to their previously saved settings. Restores only those layer state and property settings that you specify with the check boxes.
Close
Closes the Layer States Manager and saves changes.
Restore Options
Turn Off Layers Not Found in Layer State
When a layer state is restored, turns off new layers for which settings were not saved so that the drawing looks the same way it did when the named layer state was saved.
Apply Properties as Viewport Overrides
Applies layer property overrides to the current viewport. This option is available when the Layer States Manager is accessed when a layout viewport is active.
Layer Properties to Restore
Restores the selected layer settings and properties to their previously saved state.
Select All
Selects all the settings.
Clear All
Removes selection from all the settings.

How to change current working Layer

Tool: LAYER (HOME\LAYERS PANEL)
Command: LAYER
This pull down list displays the list of all layers. Select any layer to make current working layer. This pull down list also provides facilities to change the status of layer. Click on down arrow to change layer and click on any other part to change status.

How to TURN ON all Layers

Tool: Turn All Layers ON (HOME\LAYERS PANEL)
Command: LAYON
All layers that were previously turned OFF are turned back ON. Objects of those layers are visible in drawing. This is the opposite command of LAYER OFF Command

How to unfreeze all Layers?

Tool: Thaw All Layers (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYTHW
Thaws (unfreezes) all layers in the drawing. All layers that were previously frozen are unfrozen. Objects on those layers are visible in drawing

How to lock the layer and Layer Contents to be modified

Tool: LOCK (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYLCK
Lock the layer of a selected object. Using this command, one can prevent accidental changes in objects of specific layers.

How to Unlock the Layer and Layer Contents

Tool: UNLOCK (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYULK
Unlocks the layer of a selected object. This is the opposite command of the Lock Layer. When you move the cursor over objects on Locked Layers, the Locked Icon is displayed. You can select an object on a Locked Layer and Unlock that layer by clicking on this tool. Objects on unlocked layers can be selected and modified.

How to shift selected object on current layer

Tool: Change to Current Layer (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYCUR
Change layer of selected object with the current layer, which means selected object is moved on to the current layer.

How to create a copy of objects onto another layer

Tool: Copy objects to New Layer (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: COPYTOLAYER
Copies on or more objects to another layer. You can also relocate the duplicate copy into new layer by specifying the base point.

How to revise objects Layer by Layer

Tool: Layer Walk (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYWALK
This command display a dialog box with a list of all layers in the drawing. This dialog box gives the facility to ON/ OFF layers to revise objects on those layers. The effect of ON/OFF is temporary and layers are restored when dialog box is closed.

How to Freeze Current Layer in all other viewports except current viewport

Tool: ISOLATE Layer to Current Viewport (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYVPI
This command freeze selected layers in all layout viewports except the current viewport. This command only works with two or more viewport. Viewport is the facility to view different drawing parts on same page. This topic is discussed under Paper Space topic

How to merge contents of two or more layers into one layer

Tool: MERGE (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYMRG
Merges selected layer into target layer, removing the previous layers from the drawing. Objects on merged layer are moved to the target layer and the original layers are purged (delete) from the drawing. Use this command to reduce number of layers in a drawing

How to delete (Purge) Layer and its contents

Tool: Layer Delete (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYDEL
Deletes all objects on a layer and purges the layer. You can select any object on that layer or specify the Layer Name.

How to differentiate display of locked layer contents

Tool: Locked Layer Fading (HOME\LAYER PANEL)
Command: LAYLOCKFADECTR
This command controls the fading of objects on locked layers. You can specify Fading Amount when Fading is set to ON.