How to Work with Layers in Sketchup – Complete Guide

Would you like to know how to work? layers in SketchUp? Just like in SketchUp 2020, you will find a layer or tag system in SketchUp. However, the methods of using these are not exactly similar to those found in AutoCAD or CAD software. But the layer information provided here is for all previous or future versions of SketchUp layers. Let’s see how you can use SketchUp layers.

Important point: Layers in SketchUp do not separate elements from each other

In fact, other CAD software cuts out the moved elements, whether they are edges, faces or other geometric figures from the initial model. Layers are only interested in showing or not showing different components of the model.

You may also be interested in reading about: How to Move an Object in Sketchup (or Parts of It)

Functionality provided by layers in SketchUp

With a click of the mouse, you can:

1. Show Hide part of your model or show it, depending on your needs.
2. Formulate the possible aspects that a project can take.
3. Write down in detail the steps that make up your project.
4. It helps the graphics card in its fluidity and relieves the processor.
5. Place model components, including furniture, equipment, rooms and hallways, or walls, as desired.
6. Apply comments and useful texts to each viewpoint. But to do this, you should use the LayOut
7. Easily present views to add as well as scenes thanks to LayOut.

Some tips on using layers in SketchUp

1. Make sure to leave Layer 0 active at all times and always have faces or edges handy.
2. Separate other components, groups, and elements, including images, text, and dimensions, into separate layers.
3. Organize your layers so that each has similar components and groups.
4. Do not place structural elements and furniture on the same layer

Get a new layer

1. Step 1:: Go to the menu Window.
2. Step 2:: When you click on it, you will see a drop-down list where the Layers dialog box is located.
3. Step 3:: You will find two icons: + and -. The + icon is used to create the new layer.

NOTE: : To find yourself in your layers, remember to add the name in advance.

 

Activate a layer

Only the default layer should remain active. But you can activate another layer. To do this:

1. Step 1:: Go to the Layers dialog box.
2. Step 2:: You will see all your layers with the name.
3. Step 3:: On your left are circles. When you click on them, your layers become active.

Have a visible or invisible layer

You can choose to show a layer or hide it. When you go to the tab Layers, you will find squares to the right of the layers. Checking this square makes the layer visible, otherwise it will make it invisible.

The advantage of making multiple layers in SketchUp visible or invisible

With option Visible layers, you will make all layers of your choice visible or invisible at the same time. Either option will also show or hide the features it contains, provided you have correctly classified them into the appropriate layers.

So you can focus on your computer and not worry about walls etc. This option is also used to design a scene and help you manage which layers to show or hide in your SketchUp model.

Transferring elements from layers in SketchUp

A component or group that is on one layer can be moved to another.

1. Step 1:: Select the group or component to move.
2. Step 2:: Then click on Entity Information.
3. Step 3:: You should see the layers area tab with a list of layers present.
4. Step 4:: Simply select the location you want to transfer your items to.

NOTE: : If you are in a Mac, you can search for any layer from the dialog box.

Properly moving multiple entities

You may need to sort through a lot of layers. Making layers invisible is a good trick to make your job easier.

1. Step 1:: Simply hide all layers and leave the default layer Layer0 active.
2. Step 2:: Then Select the entities that should be on the same layer and continue with the same process already mentioned above.
3. Step 3:: These elements will normally be on the new hidden layer.
4. Step 4:: Follow the same procedure for the following.

Delete or erase layers in SketchUp

A layer is deleted by going to Layers. You will use the icon to either:

1. Move your entities to Layer0. This option allows you to preserve these elements.
2. Move content to the active layer
3. Delete all content

Using colors in a layer

Layers have their own colors. These colors can also tint your entity. They should help you clearly identify layers and components, as well as nearby entities.

To apply a color to your layer:

1. Step 1:: Go to the dialog box.
2. Step 2:: A list of colors should be to the right of the one that makes the layers visible.
3. Step 3:: You can make changes to the color by going to the dialog box and then clicking on the option Edit material.
4. Step 4:: By clicking on color per layer in the Layers tab, the color is displayed. But the display style setting will give you the same result.
5. Step 5:: Go to the dialog box, click Styles, Then in Edit, followed by the tab Software, finally Color per layer.

NOTE: : This gives you the ability to change the display mode of your choice to get an overview of your layers in Sketchup.

Add-ons for layers in SketchUp

Some extensions make it easier to manipulate layers. Here are 3 extensions that will surely help you.

1. TIG-LayerWatcher: warns you when you activate a layer other than Layer0 and place edges and faces there. Also, as soon as these are designed, it activates this layer by itself.
2. Add hidden layer: A created layer will always appear in scenes. This extension will override this action if you want to avoid it.
3. LayersPanel: It has identical features to layers in Photoshop. These main functions in layers are assembling, filtering, showing or hiding, folding, locking, selecting, etc.

How to manage layers in SketchUp?

In SketchUp Viewer, access the layers of a model as follows:

1. Step 1:: Click on the main menu icon.
2. Step 2:: Click on the Layers icon and the Layers tab

How to create a layer in SketchUp?

Follow these steps to add a layer to your SketchUp file:

1. Step 1:: Choose Window → LayersThe Layers dialog box opens.
2. Step 2:: Click on the Add button layer to add a new layer to the layer list. If you want, you can double-click your new layer to rename it.

Did SketchUp get rid of layers?

In an effort to increase model performance, you no longer need to create layers upon layers.

How do I add free materials to SketchUp?

You can work on your SketchUp model in the SketchUp desktop client, SketchUp Pro, to add a custom material. To change an object's material:

1. Step 1:: go to the menu on the right
2. Step 2:: Select Materials
3. Step 3:: Select the desired material and the button Edit to change the color of a material.

What is SketchUp Design?

Sketchup's design value is designed to take the solid model of Google Sketchup Pro and convert it into orthographic views, presentation views, and other working drawings. The user will use Google Sketchup Pro to create “scenes” that will match the orthographic views of a drawing (front, right side, left side, back, etc.)

Create and Manage Layers in SketchUp

Like most computer-aided drawing and design programs, SketchUp has a layer editor. However, layers in SketchUp have different properties. Layers allow you to hide the geometry of entities but do not prevent them from being modified.

Showing the Layers Toolbar in SketchUp

1. Step 1:: activates the toolbar Layers, click on the menu View-  Bars of tools – Layers.

NOTE: : The drop-down menu displays the list of layers and allows you to choose the current layer. It also allows you to place one or more entities on a given layer. To do this, follow the procedure below:

 Select entities.

2. Step 2:: Choose the target layer from the drop-down menu.

Displaying the Layers Dialog Box in SketchUp

The box of Layers dialog acts as a layer manager. Displays the dialog box:

1. Step 1:: Click on the icon from the toolbar Layers or use the menu Window - Layers. The box appears Layers dialog:

Create a layer

1. Step 1:: Click on the box icon Layers dialog.
2. Step 2:: Enter a name on the keyboard.

Delete a layer

Here you can learn about: 10 Best Rendering Software for SketchUp

1. Step 1:: Select the layer to delete.
2. Step 2:: Click on the box icon Layers dialog.

Conclusion

As you can see, these are the best methods and tips you can use to set up and work with layers in SketchUpWe recommend that you practice constantly so that your designs look more professional. We hope that this information has helped you.