I just hit 500 layers on a single drawing file, which felt impossible a month ago.

I was working on a big site plan for a new housing project in Austin, and I kept everything on separate layers like I always do. When I checked the layer manager yesterday, the count was 503. I used to think keeping it under 200 was the smart move to avoid a slow file. But this project forced me to split things like utility lines, landscaping grades, and even different curb types. Has anyone else pushed a file this far and found it actually helped keep things clear?

2 comments

2 Comments

coleman.jade6d ago

Totally feel you on that. Honestly, I had a huge parking lot layout that went past 450 layers once. Ngl, the file took a minute to save, but trying to turn off individual light pole bases or different paving patterns was a lifesaver. Tbh, it forced me to name every single layer clearly too, which saved my butt later. Splitting it all up is the only way to keep your head straight.

river_hart186d ago

Split everything you can... it's the only way to stay sane on big jobs. I had a site plan blow up past 400 layers once and yeah, the file was a dog to open, but trying to find one buried line in a mess of 50 things on one layer is worse. You just have to be brutal with freezing what you aren't working on.