Layers Palette

The layering feature of the Label Editor provides additional flexibility for organizing and editing the objects while drawing them. You can divide the drawing process into multiple layers, each containing a portion of the drawing's contents, as well as organizing the design of various components (images, shapes, etc) by placing them on separate layers.

Then you can use the Layer Manager to view, print, or edit specific layers or combinations of layers. Together, layers act as a hierarchy that helps to determine the vertical arrangement of a drawing's components. In this arrangement (the stacking order), objects on the top layer always overlay objects on the layer below.

Example of the Layers palette

1. Open the Layers palette.

2. The palette includes the list of existing layers. This list is multi-selection enabled. The list presents an icon for each property of the layer. You can change the property directly in the cell in which the property icon is represented. The following columns are available:

(Visible:)	When clicked turns the layer on (it will be visible) and off (it will be invisible). In the last case this icon is grayed.
(Print:)	When clicked turns the layer on (it will be printable) and off (it will be unprintable). In the last case this icon is grayed.
(Edit:)	When clicked turns the layer on (it will be editable) and off (it will be disabled). In the last case this icon is grayed.
(Active:)	This flag indicates that new objects can be placed in the current layer.
(Layer Name:)	When clicked the name of the layer, it becomes an edit field.

At any time there can be only one active layer. Created objects are assigned to this active layer. Any existing object can either be selected by mouse or by the Select All command on any layer (if the layer is editable) whereas the selected object is not located on the active layer.

The Standard "actions" button on the palette window displays the following pop-up menu:

-- New Layer: With this command, you can add a new layer to the top of the layers list. The default name for new layer is "Layer<N>". Other default properties: Visible - on, Print - on, Editable - on, Color - not specified, Active - on.

-- Delete Layer: Using this command the user can delete one or more currently selected layers. Entities lying on those layers are deleted as well. If there are objects to be deleted, a confirmation message appear Removing this layer(s) will delete all objects belonging to it. Remove the layer(s)? The message box has the Yes and No buttons. All changes will come into effect when you click Yes.

You can change the layer in the General palette or in the General tab of the Object's Properties dialog.