MENU

Get Organized – Using Layers in SignLab, EngraveLab, and ProfileLab

In SignLab, EngraveLab, and ProfileLab, you can use layers to improve your workflow. 

This example briefly explains layers and gives you some tips and tricks that will hopefully make this easier. 

On the left side of the image is the sign blank with several shapes and three separate text boxes. On the right side is the Layer Viewer. The Layer Viewer has four layers, each one containing the matching text and shape, except for the background shapes and the text “Layers”. 

To add or delete a layer, click the plus or minus buttons. 

Next to a selected layer, there are options to: 

• Show or hide the layer.
• Turn cutting on or off for the layer.
• Turn printing on or off for the layer.
• Lock the layer from editing. 

Grouping and Naming 

It’s easier to control related objects when they are grouped together in one layer. 

To edit layers and re-name them, right-click on the layer. Drag and drop objects into layers to reorganize them. For example, if you hide the “Star” layer, the star and text “Star” are no longer visible since they’re grouped. 

When an effect is applied to an object (for this example, a blue pattern fill on the background rectangle), you can copy it to another object easily. Click Object Attributes in the Layer Viewer, then click and drag the effect to an object to apply it. 

To check an object’s layer, select the object, and check the bottom of the workspace:

If you turn off the layer viewer, you can merge all layers back into a single layer to make editing easier. Go to Show Context Menu and Merge All Layers.  

Layer Options 

1) To configure Layer Options, go to Options > [Program] Setup > System Preferences.
2) Select the Layer Options tab.
3) To merge layers on import, select the checkbox.
4) Click OK, Cancel, or Apply