Expert: Bill DeShawn - 1/2/2008

Question
QUESTION: Bill how do i load standard layers to a new drawing? I have the layers in a file that have extension of lay(structural.lay). Any other altenative way to do the the same procedure. I am using AutoCAD2005

ANSWER: Yes, Ronny.  There are quicker ways.  The easiset and quickest way of all is to have a DWG FILE in the support file search path.  Call it something like Ronslayers.dwg.  Then the INSERT command, then RONSLAYERS.  If the block RONSLAYERS already exists in the working drawing and you have updated the RONSLAYERS DWG file with new layers or edited layer configuration, then you'll need to purge the block in the working drawing before INSERTing the DWG file again in order to get the newest layer properties.

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So how do I load a file with extension of lay (eg. Std-layer.lay)

Answer
As I was reading up on this (because I never like the system of layer states, therefore I always steered clear of them), I found the following exchange in an Autodesk Forum:
http://discussion.autodesk.com/thread.jspa?threadID=514593
In the exchange I learned that the lay files are a result of exporting layer states from the lman function of EXPRESS TOOLS.  It's a good means loading layers also, but not necessary.  To load (or to import) the layers in the lay file, you merely run the LMAN command given to us via EXPRESS TOOLS, run the IMPORT option, choose the .lay file and voilá - the layers are loaded.

In current versions of AutoCAD, the Layer Properties Manager will do the same job, but the file it creates has a .LAS extension.  The problem with it is that it doesn't restore the linetypes that aren't already loaded into the drawing. LMAN does the same thing.  Therefore importing the ronslayers drawing is better, because it brings in layers and linetypes simultaneously.  

Sometimes the old way is the best way.  

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn

What I don't like about named layer states is


When you do it the way I mentioned on the first go-around, then when you insert the block, and cancel the command before you insert the block, you can then purge the block you just almost inserted and the block will be gone, but all the layers will remain.