Layers help organize objects in your project by grouping them into named categories that can be shown, hidden, locked, or set as the active layer for drawing. Every object in the model is assigned to exactly one layer. Using layers makes it easier to structure your model, explore design options, and control what is visible or editable while working individually or in teams.
You can manage all layers from the Layers panel in the sidebar. From here, you can create new layers, rename or delete existing ones, and control their visibility and lock status.
Create a Layer
In the Layer section, click + to create a New Layer.
Enter the layer name and press 'Enter' to create
Set a layer as Active by selecting it. The active layer shows a blue tick next to its name — only one layer can be active at a time.
Import or draw objects: Objects added for an active layer* are automatically assigned to that layer. You’ll see the object’s layer listed in its Properties, from here, reassign layers if needed.
Note: *Active Layer: The active layer is where all newly created objects are placed. Only one layer can be active at a time. The active layer must be visible and unlocked before you can create objects. Object creation is blocked if the active layer is hidden or locked.
New objects always go to the active layer.
Active layer is personal per user — it does not affect others.
Active layer persists across your session.
Sketch to BIM outputs are assigned to the active layer.
Imported objects are assigned to the active layer (no automatic layer mapping on import).
Copy/paste retains the original layer assignment, even across different projects.
Managing Layers
Use the quick actions in the Layers panel (hover over a layer) to:
Select all objects in a layer
Lock/unlock: Locked layers prevent all edits for every user in the project. Objects on a locked layer remain selectable but cannot be modified.
Hide/show: Click the eye icon next to the layer name to toggle visibility.
Use the select, lock, and hide actions to manage complex projects, keeping objects organized and workflows efficient.
Click on the three-dots ('Actions') for that layer to Rename/Delete it:
Note:
1. Visibility of objects can be saved per view (Plan & 3D views only). Hiding a layer without saving the view only affects your current session and is not visible to all users. (Read the next section to know more).
2. Lock state is global and applies to all collaborators.
3. The Default layer cannot be deleted.
4. When deleting a layer, you can either move its objects to another layer or delete them along with the layer.
5. Multiple users can work on the same layer simultaneously.
View-Specific Visibility
Each saved view has layers which are either visible or hidden at the time it was saved. To save layer visibility to a 2D or 3D View:
Set layers to the desired visibility state in the canvas, i.e., hide/unhide them as needed.
Save or update the view using Save View / Update View.
Switching to a saved view automatically restores its layer visibility state.
Note: Temporary show/hide changes not saved to a view are user-specific and do not affect other collaborators.
Program Mode & Areas Dashboard Integration
A Layer column is automatically added in Program Mode, showing which layer each object belongs to.
To reassign an object to a different layer in Program Mode:
Open Program Mode.
Locate the object row in the table.
Click the Layer dropdown in that row.
Select the target layer.
Note: Layers cannot be created or renamed from Program Mode. Use the 'Layers' panel to manage layer names.
Filter Area Metrics by Layer
Open the Area Panel.
Click Filters.
Select Layers and choose which layers to include.
Area metrics update to reflect only the selected layers. Layers are filter-only in the Area Panel — they cannot be used to group or sort rows.
Other Notes & Limitations:
1. When exporting models or views, hidden layers are excluded from exports. (Hidden objects will not appear in captures or exported files.)
2. No nested layers or layer hierarchy.
3. Layers are filter-only in the Area Panel — grouping and sorting by layer is not supported.
4. Undo/Redo supports layer creation, deletion, locking/unlocking, hide/unhide actions.
Visit 'Use Cases of Layers' to learn ore about the practical application of this feature.