SketchUp Training Series: Layers

Layers in SketchUp are unique and function differently than in other software. We will show how to use layers in combination with groups to organize models and some tips for using layers efficiently.

[gordonchapman]

My take on SketchUp layers… Notice above in the description it says “Layers in SketchUp are unique and function differently than in other software” Also at the beginning of the video at 0:30 the narrator says “However the way that SketchUp uses layers is different than any software you may use” and it is highlighted that “In other applications Layers control Geometry” So from that, what I think to myself is two things, 1. Layers in SketchUp are a View only thing, and 2. Some guy when he was developing the software made an effing big mistake by calling them layers. Hey, we all know what a layer is, think of a cake, hmmm an icing layer on top of a sponge layer which it also over two layers of delicious cream and strawberry jam bedded on the bottom layer of more sponge cake. You get the gist. I am quite good at Photoshop (he said modestly) Using layers on Photoshop is totally intuitive because you imagine layers in real life and they work exactly the same. You have an image of a tree in a field with a cloudy blue sky and the sun peeking out behind the cloud. Top layer the Tree. Next layer down the field. Next layer down the sky and clouds. Bottom layer the Sun. All good. If I dragged the Sun layer… that was behind everything (don’t ask me why anyone would do that) and made it the top layer, of course the sun would appear in front of everything. My point is this. SketchUp layers have nothing to do with actual layers. To help yourself understand them better think of them as a “Show and Hide” function. Some people have commented like @Lydia Spitzer confusion over Layer 0 compared to numbered layers. Layers have nothing to do with editing a model so only use SketchUp layers for Show or for Hide. Lydia, you’re right in guessing that you should use groups and components to put in a layer to either see them or hide them, but you use an active SketchUp component or group to edit them. @TMCicuurd12b42 I can understand why you thought, and I quote, “and that's exactly why layers are effing useless” So I hope my explanation helps - but read on to see how SketchUp layers can be useful. @Jamie Marchant I can see your dilemma when modelling such a complicated thing as a roof full of different entities. When you are making the model, ignore SketchUp Layers completely and use groups. Did you know you can have groups within groups? If you have an entity that is going to be used in many different positions but is going to look the same, make the original a component, (Move and copy is your friend) then later if you need to change the dimensions you only have to make changes to the original component and the changes will update all the instances of the component automatically. When you’re happy with the roof details, select each group or component and add them to SketchUp layers as you see fit. Now you can show and hide parts of you model for your own convenience. Remember, SketchUp layers is only a convenient way to show and hide whatever aspect of your model, either as an aid while still building your model or in a ‘Scene’. Scenes are great to make ‘Snapshots’ you can quickly refer to anytime. The SHOW and HIDE menu… 😲 oh dam, sorry, I meant the SketchUp Layers menu really only comes into its own if you used it a lot during you model building process. If you’re going to send your model to a friend to view or maybe use your model as an instructional video on social media such as YouTube, use the SHOW and HIDE menu 😲 what again! sorry, use the SketchUp layers menu in conjunction with Scenes and Animation to quickly set up and save a movie. Anyway, that’s my 2 cents worth, I hope you ‘Like’ it. 👍

[itsmeninz]

i didn't see layer in my sketchup

[lydiaspitzer]

I'm a bit confused about "always putting geometry on layer 0." If all geometry goes into layer 0, are all other layers just for groups and components?

[mrlee-oozz]

i love you. this is the tutorial i been looking for :) thanks

[craigShell]

There is no layers option on mac-view-toolbar?

[Frankenstein]

Is there a way to see all items assigned to a layer?

[BayPropertyProjectsNZ]

Layers is not showing up under my window tab. Am I missing an extension to enable this???

[peakfeeling]

Thank you for your share the great knowledge

[scottalanclymer]

If I have View/Component Edit/Hide Rest of Model (an automatic feature), then why would I need to fuss with "layers"

[KLLA_KING_KONG]

I dont have layers in my toolbars. How to get it?

[drjskohal]

I CANT FIND LAYER OPTION ON MY 2020 SKETCHUP? IT IS NOT THERE TO BE USED.

[RegianeCacefo]

Nice. Thanks a lot actually. It worked, you explained it well. Than

[michaelcalhoun]

Some.guy.said.that.he.liked. your.voice.

[margaritamargarita]

Really, really good video. Thank you.

[filipstridlarsson]

Really helpful! I was pulling my hair not getting my head around why the layers were acting so crazy.

[aldyfamily]

thank I usually use autocad and inventor, when I use sketchup ... I frustated ahahaha, thanks for the video!

[constantinosschinas]

But WHY Skethup Layers (Now called Tags) work like they do, so that geometry is altered even if hidden? It is either a dumb design, or this tutorial SHOULD showcase the benefit(s).

[boostedtrav]

does not make sense why you do layers this way ....

[neciebooyaw]

WTF IS UP WITH LAYERS IN THIOS PROGRAM ITS DOING NOTHING I WANT

[thecadschool]

In first place, Using group is a false concept for creating a model.