Selecting layers, now often referred to as Tags, in SketchUp is primarily done through the Layers (or Tags) panel, allowing you to manage their visibility and properties.
Selecting Layers (Tags) in SketchUp
In SketchUp, you typically select layers (or Tags in newer versions) within the Layers or Tags panel. This panel lists all the layers or tags in your model. Selecting layers in this panel is crucial for tasks like changing their visibility, assigning entities to them, or deleting them.
Methods for Selecting Layers (Tags)
There are several straightforward ways to select layers or tags within the dedicated panel:
- Select a Single Layer: Simply click on the name of the layer or tag you want to select in the list.
- Select a Range of Adjacent Layers: To select multiple layers that are next to each other in the list, click on the first layer, then hold down the Shift key and click on the last layer in the desired range. All layers between the first and last clicked will be selected.
- Select Non-Consecutive Layers: If you need to select layers that are not adjacent in the list, click on the first layer, then hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) and click on each additional layer you want to select. This allows you to pick individual layers regardless of their position in the list.
Here's a quick summary:
| Action | Key Combination | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Select One Layer | Click | Selects the clicked layer. |
| Select Adjacent Layers | Shift + Click | Selects a range. |
| Select Non-Consecutive | Ctrl (Win) / Command (Mac) + Click | Selects multiple separate layers. |
Practical Uses of Layer Selection
Selecting layers allows you to perform various actions simultaneously on multiple layers:
- Toggle Visibility: Show or hide all selected layers at once.
- Delete Layers: Remove multiple layers from your model.
- Manage Properties: In some cases, you might adjust properties or move entities associated with selected layers.
By using the Shift and Ctrl/Command click methods, you can efficiently manage the visibility and organization of complex SketchUp models.
