ConDoc Layers
TSWFA/ConDoc Default Layers
The following section contains a detailed explanation of each of the layers included with the core system and a description of the group they are applied to and suggested contents. You will find this to be a great reference while you are in the early stages of organizing a model. These layers are the keystone of the SketchUp Workflow for Architecture, as well as the default layers used by the ConDoc Tools. There are five categories of layers: LEVEL, ELEMENT, LOCATION, CONDITION, and CONDOC.
LEVEL Layers
Level layers are simple and straightforward; they describe the stories of a building. LEVEL layers are the first level of model organization (Figure 15.21), holding all the subsequent nested groups for the respective levels: Level 01, Level 02, Level 03. These layers are automatically added by ConDoc Tools Plan Generator, but you can also create them manually. Levels are necessary to break a model apart into coherent plans.
ELEMENT Layers
ELEMENT layers are applied to the next nested group — they can be thought of as nouns, whereas the other layers are more like adjectives. Elements are the pieces of a building that complete your design. ELEMENTS are second in line for nesting. Listed are the ELEMENT layers.
ELEMENT_Background
The Background layer is applied to the nested group that holds all sketches, field measurements, and CAD imports for drawing on top of. These entities can be imported images, separate groups on Layer0, or loose geometry. Anything that drives your design is a background.
ELEMENT_Barriers
The Barriers layer is applied to the nested group that holds anything that is not necessarily a wall but that gets in the way. Th ink retaining walls, fences, planters, and railings, both interior and exterior. These objects are best represented using a three-dimensional (3D) object for perspective views and two-dimensional (2D) graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Beams
The Beams layer is applied to the group that holds components that represent the beams that hold up your design. Beams can be wood, steel, concrete—anything structural. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Ceiling Equipment
The Ceiling Equipment layer is applied to the nested group that holds objects that are attached to the ceiling. For instance, fans, HVAC ducts, and sprinklers. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Ceilings
The Ceilings layer is applied to the nested group that holds all edges and surfaces that represent ceilings. Ceilings are built down from the floor group in the level above. Even though a soffit technically has a vertical wall, it still belongs in the ceilings layer.
ELEMENT_Columns
The Columns layer is applied to the group that holds components that represent the columns that hold up your design—usually steel, concrete, or wood posts—sometimes exposed, sometimes buried in a wall. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Context
The Context layer is applied to the nested group that holds all models of surrounding buildings that are worth noting. Th is could be detailed buildings to play off of in design or even rough block buildings to describe a cityscape. These buildings are made by geo-modeling techniques, downloaded from the 3D Warehouse or from FormFonts.
ELEMENT_Decorative Objects
The Decorative Objects layer is applied to the nested group that holds any object that breathes life into a scene. These objects will show up in perspective views and on the RENDER and VR scene tabs, but typically not in plan, section, and elevation. For instance, magazines on a coffee table, candles on the dining room table, or a bottle of wine in the kitchen. Because decorative objects are not used in plans, they do not need a 2D graphic and 3D object.
ELEMENT_Doors
The Doors layer is applied to the nested group that holds objects representing doors. Doors must be represented by a 2D graphic and 3D object in order to render properly in plan.
ELEMENT_Earth
The Earth layer is applied to the nested group that holds edges and surfaces representing soft ground including grass, mulch, and dirt.
ELEMENT_Entourage
The Entourage layer is applied to the nested group that holds objects representing people, animals, and action in general that bring life to a scene. This is different from decorative objects because you often want the people turned off in SketchUp but still render decorative objects in your rendering program.
ELEMENT_Equipment
The Equipment layer is applied to the nested group that holds objects that represent appliances, HVAC units, electrical boxes, and utilities. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Fixtures
The Fixtures layer is applied to the nested group that holds all objects that represent plumbing fixtures, millwork, sinks, vanities, cabinets, and built-ins—anything that you would have fabricated. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Floors
The Floors layer is applied to the nested group that holds edges and surfaces that represent the floors of a building or house. You can divide the floor surface to paint different floor materials. The floor should be represented by a mass that stretches to the extents of the framing. Usually the floor framing is completely hidden by the floor ELEMENT.
ELEMENT_Foundation
The Foundation layer is applied to the group that holds edges and surfaces that represent the footings, stem walls, and steel that support a structure. If needed, a foundation can be represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views. Usually, a concrete slab belongs on the floor layer.
ELEMENT_Framing
The Framing layer is applied to the group that holds components that represent the minor structural framing that holds up your design. All two-bys, floor joists, and rafters belong on the framing layer. Framing is typically not seen, wrapped in drywall, buried underneath a floor, and covered by the roof ELEMENT. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Furniture
The Furniture layer is applied to the group that holds objects that represent chairs, beds, tables, and couches. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Hard Surfaces
The Hard Surfaces layer is applied to the group that holds edges and surfaces that represent roads, sidewalks, and patios—anything that is paved or poured outside of the house.
ELEMENT_Lights
The Lights layer is applied to the group that holds objects that represent all can lights, sconces, and chandeliers — anything that is hardwired in. A lamp typically belongs on the Decorative Objects layer, or possibly the Furniture layer if you need it to show up in the furniture plan. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Roof
The Roof layer is applied to the group that holds edges and surfaces that represent a roof. A complex roof is best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views. The roof ELEMENT usually covers the framing ELEMENTS.
ELEMENT_Stairs
The Stairs layer is applied to the group that holds edges and surfaces that represent stairs. The stairs are usually best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Trim
The Trim layer holds geometry that represents decorative trim pieces—for instance, baseboard, fascia boards, window trim, and crown molding. Exterior trim and gutters can also be placed within this group.
ELEMENT_Vegetation
The Vegetation layer is applied to the group that holds all objects representing trees, shrubs, and flowers. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views.
ELEMENT_Walls
The Walls layer is applied to the group that holds the edges and surfaces that represent the walls in your design.
ELEMENT_Windows
The Windows layer is applied to the group that holds components that represent the windows in your design. These objects are best represented using a 3D object for perspective views and 2D graphics for plan views. The 2D graphic should cover the inside face to outside face of the wall to properly mask out wall hatches that will be stacked below.
LOCATION Layers
LOCATION layers are third in line for nesting. They are used as adjectives that further explain the ELEMENT groups. These layers are assigned to the groups within groups that have ELEMENT layers. They add another switch in the chain to further control the visibility of geometry. You will make the decision whether an element is an interior element or an exterior element. If there is no clear answer, you probably don’t need to assign a location (see “Simplify the System” in The SketchUp Workflow for Architecture Second Edition).
CONDITION Layers
CONDITION layers further describe ELEMENT layers. They are always last in line for nested groups and layering. These layers are applied to a group within each of the CONDITION groups. CONDITION layers describe entities that are new or being added to the project; entities that exist in the project that are to remain; and entities that exist in the project that are to be removed, relocated, or destroyed.
CONDOC Layers
The ConDoc layers are needed to make the whole system tick and ultimately help you achieve your desired look for drawings and renderings. They are more conceptual and abstract in nature, relating more to 3D modeling than the actual built environment.
CONDOC_Always Off
The CONDOC_Always Off layer is used to visually combine two groups. This is one exception to the all-geometry-on-Layer0 rule. This layer is turned off in almost every scene. Learn more about this in TSWFA 2 Chapter 21, Crucial Concepts for Construction Documents.
CONDOC_2D Graphic & CONDOC_3D Object
A 2D graphic is used to force a specific symbol in the final plan drawings. If you are using a 2D graphic, you must have a 3D object as well. 2D graphics will be turned on in all plan views but turned off in sections, elevations, and perspective views. Learn more about this in TSWFA 2 Chapter 21, Crucial Concepts for Construction Documents.
A 3D object is the real-world representation of an object. If you are using a 3D object, you must have a 2D graphic to accompany it. 3D objects will be turned off in all plan views but visible in all sections, elevations, and perspectives.
CONDOC_Draft Layers
The DRAFT layers are used specifically for ConDoc DRAFT mode, where the DRAFT layers become active. Lines are shown in a line weight–by–layer color view. This is very similar to 2D CAD. The stock DRAFT layers give you five line weights plus one hatch layer. Th is is usually sufficient for drafting 2D details and diagrams. You must use the Detail tool to snapshot views. Learn more about ConDoc DRAFT mode in TSWFA 2 Chapter 23, Drawings.
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