Naming Layers to Stay Organized

Naming Layers to Stay Organized
In the previous section, you saw how to create a layer property filter by using the name of a layer.
If you name layers carefully, you can use them as a powerful layer-management tool. For example,
suppose you have a drawing whose layer names are set up to help you easily identify floor-plan
data versus ceiling-plan data, as in the following list:
◆ A-FP-WALL-JAMB
◆ A-FP-WIND-JAMB
◆ A-CP-WIND-HEAD
◆ A-CP-DOOR-HEAD
◆ L-FP-CURB
◆ C-FP-ELEV
The first character in the layer name designates the discipline related to that layer: A for architectural,
L for landscape, C for civil, and so on. In this example, layers with names containing the
two characters FP signify floor-plan layers. CP designates ceiling-plan information.
TIP These layer examples are loosely based on a layer-naming convention devised by the American
Institute of Architects (AIA). As you can see from this example, careful naming of layers can help
you manage them.
If you want to isolate only those layers that have to do with floor plans, regardless of their discipline,
enter ??FP* in the Name column of the Layer Filter Properties dialog box. You can then give
this layer property filter the name Floor Plan by entering Floor Plan in the Filter Name text box.


After you’ve created the Floor Plan layer properties list, you can pick Floor Plan from the filter
list on the right side of the Layer Properties Manager dialog box, and only those layers with names
containing the letters FP as their third and fourth characters will appear in the list of layers. You can
turn off all these layers, change their color assignment, or change other settings quickly, without
having to wade through layers you don’t want to touch. You can create other filter properties to isolate
other groups of layers. AutoCAD keeps these filter lists for future use until you delete them by
using the Delete option in the shortcut menu. (Right-click the name of the properties filter, and
choose Delete.)
In the ??FP* example, the question marks (??) tell AutoCAD that the first two characters in the
layer name can be anything. The FP tells AutoCAD that the layer name must contain F and P in
these two places of the name. The asterisk (*) at the end tells AutoCAD that the remaining characters
can be anything. The question marks and asterisk are known as wildcard characters. They’re
commonly used filtering tools for both the Unix and Windows operating systems.
As the number of layers in a drawing grows, you’ll find layer filters an indispensable tool.
But bear in mind that the successful use of layer filters can depend on a careful layer-naming
convention. If you’re producing architectural plans, you may want to consider the AIA layering
guidelines.
TIP Check out Chapter 24 for some additional tools that will help you manage layer settings.