BIM Layers

BIM Layers
Menu location
Manage → Manage Layers
Workbenches
BIM
Default shortcut
None
Introduced in version
-
See also
None

Description

The Layers Manager allows you to manage layers. Layers are a special kind of group that controls the visual properties of objects placed inside of it. By changing the properties of the layer, such as line width, line color, shape color and transparency, the changes are propagated to its child objects. Layers don't interfere with any other FreeCAD structure such as groups or Building parts, so any object can be part of a layer and part of a group at the same time.

Layers Manager

Layers are imported and exported from/to IFC and DXF/DWG.

The Layers Manager allow you to manage your layers, add or remove layers, or change their visual properties. To add objects to a layer, simply drag them into the layer in the Tree View. To remove them, drag them from the layer and drop them into the document root.

NativeIFC

This tool is the exact same as the Draft LayerManager tool, and creates the same layer object. There is only one difference: It has support for NativeIFC objects:

• An IFC icon will indicate if a layer is part of an IFC project or not.
• An Assign IFC button allows to move a layer to an IFC project and with that turn it into an IFC layer.

Implementation of NativeIFC is a work in progress. Users can read Yorik's blog for updates from a lead developer of NativeIFC functionality in FreeCAD.

Usage

1. There are several ways to invoke the tool:
   • Press the Manage Layers button.
   • Select the Manage → Manage Layers option from the menu.
2. Set options and press OK.

Refer to the documentation for Draft Layers for more information on settings.

Notes

• Use the BIM Layers Manager to create new BIM Layers. To create Draft Layers press the button on the Draft Tray.
• Draft Layers have slightly different settings from BIM Layers. Do not mix them unless you understand the differences.