Grouping Layers In Max

[Sketchrender]

Hi

I model in formz, and file reference the dwg in.

All the layers come in fine.

How do i place, for example builing by building layers togther in Layer, ( or group) so as to make layering easier, and turning on and off layers easier?

 

Is this possible ?

 

Any advise would be welcome.

 

phil

[mbr]

Max's layering system is archaic compared to any program I know of with layers.

 

You can't have any subfolders and when you make a group, it puts the group on whatever layer is current, regardless of where the objects reside - stupid.

 

The best method I've found is to import, then select the objects you will be turning off together and put them on a separate layer.

For example, I might have layers called Trees, Furniture_Kitchen, Furniture_Living Room. I also try to put them on layers based on their materials, like Wood, Metal, Stone, etc., so that I can select everyting on that layer at once.

 

Hope that helps. I know it's ridiculous that they can't make a better system (well, they can, as evidenced by that plugin that Jeff posted in the news - looked pretty cool).

[Chris Johnson]

One thing that fangorn does that the normal layer manager does NOT do is work with groups better:

 

If you have a group who's objects span multiple layers, turning off one layer will turn off the entire group. Obviously not very fun. I made my layer manager overcome that obstacle, so when you turn a layer off and on, only the objects on that layer are turned on and off, thus groups become, 'transparent.'

 

Chris J.