PSA: A simple layer trick in my CAD software cut my redraw time in half

For years, I just threw all my dimensions on one layer and spent ages hiding them for different views. Last month, a guy at a local meetup in Portland said he makes a new layer for each view's dimensions. I tried it on a big set of shop drawings, and what used to take me 45 minutes to clean up now takes about 20. Has anyone else found a small workflow change that gave you a big time save?

3 comments

3 Comments

emmaj331mo ago

Wait, you guys were putting all your dimensions on one layer? How did you even see the drawing under all that mess? That's like trying to find a specific tool in a truck where you just threw everything in the back.

karen_perry381mo ago

Layers are a total game changer for sure. I actually keep all my dimensions on one master layer but use layer states for different views. That way I can turn a whole set on or off with one click instead of managing a bunch of individual ones. It might be a bit cleaner for really complex drawings.

paigep201mo ago

Seriously, that layer trick is a lifesaver. I used to do the same thing with hatch patterns on floor plans, just one messy layer. Splitting them into separate layers for walls, floors, and ceilings changed everything. Now I can turn off the tile hatch with one click instead of picking through a million little lines. It sounds so obvious once you hear it, but man, it saves a headache.