This article explains why and how to use Layers to add materials to symbols.

About

The Layers tool allows you to assign materials to a specific layer based on the symbols in your drawing. Here are the benefits of using Layers to apply materials:

• Assigns layer material to all symbols at once.
• Assigns layer material to a symbol selection.
• Assigned layer material will appear on newly added symbols.

Opening Layers

To open up the Layers tool, follow these steps:

1. Select Commercial Interiors Library on the component tab.
2. Select Layers in the Tools section.
3. Click on the 3D Layers tab at the top of the Layers window.

Using Layers

Material Options

Material is a term used to reference specified options or finishes. It is the image that is applied to the 3D symbol in the drawing and will be previewed in a rendering.

You will start by selecting a material from one of the three material tabs:

• Color
• Predefined
• Texture

Color

The Color tab allows you to add a custom color with an RBG number to use as a solid material. You can also use the Color tab to manually select a color if you're looking for a quick "ballpark" color.

Predefined

The Predefined tab provides a categorized list of commonly used basic materials. These materials are a great option to use as placeholders for undecided options or for simple materials such as "black plastic." The list of categories includes: color, fabric, fluid, glass, metal, plastic, stone, tiles, and wood.

Texture

The Texture tab gives you access to use .jpeg and other image files saved outside of CET Commercial Interiors as materials. This is a great tool to use when you need to apply a COM or COL to the symbol.

To use saved image files as a material, follow these steps:

1. Select the Texture tab.
2. Click on the ... (ellipsis) to open a search window.
3. Browse and select the folder you want to use.
4. Click Open to view the material images in Layers.

3D Layers

The 3D Layers tab provides a list of all the layers used in a drawing. A symbol is made up of multiple differentiating layers to define specific areas of a symbol. These layers commonly reflect the different Option Prompts built within that part number.

The image below is an example of the different layers for the symbol DSK-B-3072.

The symbol's manufacturer is responsible for the layers and layer names. This means that not all layers and layer names are structured in the same way.

The quickest way to determine which layers are associated with a specific symbol is to single click on that symbol. Once you have clicked, the associated layer names will highlight in purple.

In some cases, the layer names are not easily recognizable. Use these two tips to help you identify a layer.

1. The layer names are commonly abbreviated. This varies for each manufacturer.
   • Example: GLD = Glide or BKFB = Back Fabric 
2. Turn the layer off and on to identify the area of the symbol in the drawing.
3. Match the layer thumbnail color with the color on the symbol.

Applying Materials

Finally, you will need to determine which symbols you want to apply the changes to. 

Apply to Layers: When this is selected, any changes made to a layer will affect every symbol associated with that symbol.

Apply to Selected Group: When this is selected, any changes made to a layer will only affect the symbols selected in the drawing. 

To apply a material to a layer, follow these steps:

1. Select the layer(s) to update.
   • A layer will highlight in red when it is selected.
   • To select multiple layers, hold the SHIFT key and select.
2. Select the material to be applied. 
   • The layer(s) should still be highlighted in red.
   • Make sure the layer's thumbnail is changed to the new material.
3. Click Accept and view changes.