In this tutorial we will explain what a layer is and how you can edit layers in Model Lab.

A layer is a way to group a set of nodes. So why do we want a group?
It simplifies operations such as applying materials in CET. Instead of having to set materials on each little part of a product, you can set a material to a specific layer and thereby changing the material for all the parts in that layer.

Select Layer and Renaming Layers

1. Open Model Lab and import the model from tutorial 1. Also available above.
2. Expand the Overview dropdown menu.
3. Click the Layer button to view all the layers in the model. This model has many layers, and they have rather strange names:
   
   
   
4. Let's change the layer names to something that makes more sense.
   Firstly, select a layer from Overview. This will select all nodes in that layer. The selection is also shown in the 3D-view:
   
   
   
5. Then, expand the Layer dropdown menu, and click Set layer for selection.
   A small window will pop up asking for an input for a layer name:
   
   After typing in a layer name, press Enter to change the layer name for the selected nodes.

Create Layers from Materials

The Create layers from materials basically creates layers based on the materials of the model file.

If you have many layers in your model, and it has materials assigned, it is usually more effective to use Create layers from materials to reduce the number of layers.

If you click Create layers from selection on the Fika chair (basic).cmsym file, you'll notice all layers are collapsed into a single layer, with a default name.
That is the expected outcome since there is only one unique material in the Fika chair:

When the model is missing materials like in Fika chair (basic).cmsym, you are better off setting some default material before using Create layers from materials.
Applying materials are beyond the scope of this tutorial but here is an image to show you the principle:

You can download the file Fika chair (with materials).cmsym above this article if you want to try this.

• That’s it! Now you should know:
  • What a layer is and why we need them.
  • How to change the layer names of specific nodes.