MET
THFree trial

Manual / Layer & Properties

Layer tools (LAYISO, LAYOFF, LAYFRZ, LAYLCK ...)

Quick layer commands that work from selected objects - isolate (LAYISO), turn off (LAYOFF), freeze, lock and set current.

What it does

These commands control layers by clicking objects in the drawing, so you do not need to remember layer names. If nothing is selected, the command asks select object on layer. Click an object, then press Enter.

Command Alias Meaning
LAYISO LI2 Hides every layer except the layer of the selected objects.
LAYUNISO – Cancels LAYISO and shows every layer.
LAYOFF – Hides the layer of the selected objects.
LAYON – Shows every layer.
LAYFRZ – Freezes the layer of the selected objects, or LAYFRZ <name>.
LAYTHW – Thaws every layer, or LAYTHW <name>.
LAYLCK – Locks the layer of the selected objects, or LAYLCK <name>.
LAYULK – Unlocks every layer, or LAYULK <name>.
LAYMCUR LAYCUR Makes the layer of the selected object the current layer.

Where to find it

  • Ribbon: Draw › Layers › Layers ▾ (Isolate, Un-isolate, Turn Off, Turn Every Layer On, Freeze, Thaw Every Layer, Lock, Unlock Every Layer, Make Current, Saved Layer States)

Steps: view only the hole layer

  1. Click one hole.
  2. Type LAYISO and press Enter. The result reads LAYISO: showing HOLES - hid 2 layer(s).
  3. When you finish editing, type LAYUNISO.

After LAYISO, only the HOLES layer remains
After LAYISO, only the HOLES layer remains

Try it: Lantern side panel

One side of a 100 x 160 mm plywood lantern: the outline is cut, a border is engraved, and 15 light holes are cut on their own layer. Layer tools let you check each job just by clicking an object.

  1. Panel: REC, 0,0, @100,160, Esc. Click it and type CHPROP layer=CUT color=#FF3030.
  2. Border: REC, 8,8, @84,144, Esc. Click it and type CHPROP layer=ENGRAVE color=#3399FF.
  3. Light hole: C, 20,24, 6, Esc. Click it and type CHPROP layer=HOLES color=#00D0D0.
  4. Click the hole and type ARRAYRECT 3 30 0. Drag a window around the 3 holes and type ARRAYRECT 5 0 28. You now have 15 holes, all on HOLES.
  5. Click one hole and type LAYISO. The result reads LAYISO: showing HOLES - hid 2 layer(s). Check the hole spacing, then type LAYUNISO.
  6. Click the border and type LAYOFF (LAYOFF: hid ENGRAVE). This is what the cut-only job looks like. Type LAYON to bring everything back.

Lantern panel with CUT, ENGRAVE and HOLES layers
Lantern panel with CUT, ENGRAVE and HOLES layers

Challenge: Click the border and type LAYLCK. Now drag a window over the whole panel: the engraved border can no longer be picked by mistake. LAYULK unlocks it.

See also