Layers

[TomA]

Just a quick simple question:

 

Do you use layers in Max?

 

If so, all the time?

[BrianKitts]

yes, and yes

[Tay othman]

Yes Layer's are good with Autocad interporability and with render layers for compositing objects

[Trevor Tizard]

Yes, all the time. I split my geometry into layers according to their intended material finish ie. roof, brickwork, grass.............

[alrawli]

Yeap all the time, when your working with large scenes their a must.

[RobNJ73]

Yes and yes here too. We do a lot of Pre-Vis, and layers make it nice and easy to hide all of the options I need to model in to any one scene.

[Mechadus]

Totally - Its impossible to work in a large scene with a team of artists without using layers.

[TomA]

Ok, thanks for all the replies.

 

This is where i'm coming from: I use Autocad 2D and 3D, Microstation 2D and 3D, Photoshop etc etc and obviously use layers/levels all the time in those programs as it would be pretty impossible to use them without.

 

With Max however the layer system seems awkward to me. E.g. you seem to have to add objects to layers manually rather than them automatically going onto the current layer. Also, you have to change the colour of the object to fit the layer manually. This is why i've mainly been using Selection Sets in max instead of layers, which i realise is not ideal.

 

I've now started using the layering system in Max as i can see its benefits however i still think it's far from perfect.

 

Does anyone else have similar issues with layers in Max?

 

Is there something i'm missing?

 

Cheers

 

P

[SandmanNinja]

With Max however the layer system seems awkward to me. E.g. you seem to have to add objects to layers manually rather than them automatically going onto the current layer. Also, you have to change the colour of the object to fit the layer manually. This is why i've mainly been using Selection Sets in max instead of layers, which i realise is not ideal.

 

You can tick the box next to the layer you want new objects to be on, and they will go to that layer.

 

I love layers. I have light layers, camera layers, trim/moulding layers, furniture layers, room layers...

 

Makes texturing easier, too. If you have a complex model (say a high poly stove), you can put the chasis on one layer, the door on another, the fittings on top on yet another. Then hide all the layers but one, apply a texture, then move on.

[Iain Denby]

Well, I'm certainly not a purist when it comes to modelling etc and obviously not a purist when it comes to workflow iether as I never use layers in max. I group things according to material finishes and type, such as frames, brickwork, glass etc. It's then easy to hide/unhide those groups.

 

A bad habit from the start maybe?

[Matt Clementson]

With Max however the layer system seems awkward to me. E.g. you seem to have to add objects to layers manually rather than them automatically going onto the current layer. Also, you have to change the colour of the object to fit the layer manually. This is why i've mainly been using Selection Sets in max instead of layers, which i realise is not ideal.

Um - new objects *are* created on the current layer (imported ones will be on the layers they originally on though).

 

And to have your objects take on the layer properties set the option in preferences for 'new objects set By Layer'.

[TomA]

Ah well i guess that solves all my issues.

 

From now on it's layers all the way for me!

 

P

[Eric Sosa]

layers will ALWAYS be the best way to work....ESTRUCTURED!

 

I had a big and sad issue with one of my colleges...he does not use layers, 'cos he beleives there are not necesary and there is no need for it when you know & master max. Indeed he learned max by himself and never worked together with someone using layers all the time...like I do.

 

We work all the time with big projects (Shop design) with thousands of meshes, splines, spheres, etc. An average project is 30-40mb including furniture, accesories, ligthnning, walls, facades, etc, etc

 

By working with LAYERS, I can finish a project 40% faster then the mentioned college, I can control materials, ligths, textures, groups, etc with high precision. By selecting or hiding and unhiding layers you have the EASY chance to; isolate, group and ungroup etc.

 

My college is now in the procces of learing how to work with layers...

 

Hope it helps to understand a little more WHY working with layers is good ALL the time

[TomA]

Um -

And to have your objects take on the layer properties set the option in preferences for 'new objects set By Layer'.

 

Sounds like what i'm after but i can't seem to find this option.

 

I'm using Max version 8 if that makes any difference?