Layers - Layer Color Manager

Last updated: 2022-10-27

Overview

When plotting using a CTB file that assigns the AutoCAD Index Colors (255) to plot as black and grayscale, assigning a True Color (RGB) value to an object or layer will plot the object or layer in color. This method of assigning a layer an RGB color is an easy way to override the black and grayscale assigned without having to modify the CTB file. This tool was created to convert the color values of multiple layers between Index colors values and True Color values. that may not be set or need to be set to the same value.

AutoCAD Index Colors

True Color (RGB)

Interface

  1. Layer Filters list: This column shows a list of all the layer filters that are in the drawing. These are the same filters shown in the Layer Manager.
  2. Layers list: This Column shows the list of layers that correspond with the layer filter selected. The default is the All filter list. To use selected layers in the Layers list the Selected Layers option must also be selected. Layers can be multi-selected manually in this list as well as with the buttons below the list.
  3. Invert filter: Activate to display all layers that do not meet the criteria in the active layer property filter
  4. Manage menu: Hold addition functions for using layer states, importing layers, and accessing the Layer Properties Manager
  5. Help menu: Access point to the C3DKB.

  6. Refresh Layer Filters list: Refreshes the list of available filters if any are added/deleted from the drawing.

Using Layer Colors Manager

WisDOT [***] tab > Manage panel > Layers pull-down > Layer Colors Manager

The Layer Colors Manager can also be accessed from the command line: DOTLayerColorsManager.

  1. The Layer Colors Manager will open.
  2. Choose desired Layer Filter. If current active layer is included in the selected filter, it will be indicated in bold. To change the current layer, double-click on the desired layer.
    1. Check the "Invert Filter" box to displays all layers that do not meet the criteria in the active layer property filter.
  3. Various selection options are available in the Layers list.
    1. Left click on the layer to modify. To manually select multiple layers, the Shift or Ctrl key can be used.
    2. Right-click anywhere in the Name column for more selection options
      1. Select All: Selects all the layers displayed in the layer list.
      2. Clear All: Deselects all layers in the layer list.
      3. Select All but Current: Selects all the layers displayed in the layer list except the current layer.
      4. Invert Selection: Selects everything displayed in the layer list except the items that are currently selected.
  4. To change the selected layers' colors to a user defined color, left click in the Color Column. This displays the AutoCAD Select Color dialog.
  5. To convert the selected layers' colors to True Color (RGB), right click in the Color column and choose "To True Color (RGB)".

  6. To convert the selected layers' colors to Index Color (ACI), right click in the Color column and choose "To Index Color (ACI)".

Manage menu

  1. Import All WisDOT Layers: Imports all WisDOT layers into the current drawing.
  2. Import Layer State: Opens a dialog to select either a dwg or las file containing a layer state. If a dwg file is selected that contains multiple layer state, a drop-down menu will appear for selecting the desired layer states. Importing a layer state does not apply the layer state. When using the DWG option, all layer state linetype dependencies are automatically loaded into the active drawing. When using the LAS option, all WisDOT linetypes and text styles are automatically loading into the drawing. Any other linetype and text style dependencies must be loaded manually prior to importing the layer state.
  3. Apply Layer State: Runs the Layers - Apply Layer State tool.
  4. Save Layer State: Displays the New Layer State to Save dialog box, where you can provide a name and a description for a new layer state.
  5. Layer States Manager: Opens the Layer States Manager
  6. Layer Properties Manager: Opens the Layer Properties Manager