How do I Merge Layers in Vectorworks?

While the term "merge layers" can sometimes mean combining content onto a single layer, the steps provided in your reference describe the process for creating a Layer Link in Vectorworks, specifically within the Fundamentals workspace. A Layer Link allows you to view and snap to geometry from other layers on a new layer without moving the original objects.

Here's how to create a Layer Link based on the steps you provided:

Creating a Layer Link in Vectorworks Fundamentals

Creating a Layer Link is a useful way to aggregate views of multiple design layers onto a single, new layer. This doesn't alter the original layers; instead, it creates a dynamic view of their content.

Follow these steps:

1. Create a New Layer and Make it Active:

   • Start by creating a brand new design layer in your Vectorworks file.
   • Ensure this new layer is set as the active layer. This is where the linked content will appear.

2. Access the Layer Link Command:

   • Navigate to the Vectorworks menu bar.
   • Select View.
   • Choose the Create Layer Link command. This option is available specifically in the Vectorworks Fundamentals workspace.

3. Select Layers to Link:

   • A dialog box will appear, showing a list of your existing design layers.
   • From this list, select all the design layers whose content you wish to see displayed on your active, new layer. You can typically select multiple layers by holding down Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) while clicking.

4. Confirm and Create the Link:

   • After selecting the desired layers, click the OK button.

Vectorworks will then create the Layer Link. The new layer you created in step 1 will now display the combined geometry from all the layers you selected in step 3.

Understanding Layer Linking vs. Merging

It's important to note that Layer Linking is not the same as a traditional layer merge found in some other software.

• Layer Linking: Creates a representation of content from selected layers on a new layer. The original geometry remains on its source layer. Changes made to objects on the original layers will automatically update in the Layer Link view. This is useful for viewing different parts of your project together without duplicating data.
• Merging Layers (Traditional Sense): Typically involves moving all the objects from multiple layers onto a single target layer, potentially deleting the original source layers afterwards. This is useful for consolidating geometry but loses the separate organization of the original layers. Vectorworks methods for consolidating content often involve manually moving objects or using specific commands depending on the context, which are not covered by the steps provided in your reference.

The steps you provided detail the process for the former – creating a dynamic link to view content from other layers.