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[solved] Block visibility on different layers

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 2:17 pm
by RobB
In my drawings I often use the same block (representing a component) in multiple layers.
When I turn off layers to select a part of the drawing, these block instances do not adhere to their layer on/off status.
In the attached test, I put a block on layer 'object, then the next instance on layer 'hidden'.

When I turn off layer 'hidden', its block correctly disappears. But when I turn off only layer 'object', both blocks disappear.
It seems that the layer that gets the first instance of the block controls if it is displayed or not for all layers.

Rob

QCAD/CAM

Version: 3.27.1.0 (3.27.1)
Build Date: Dec 13 2021
Revision: 2726424
Qt Version: 5.14.2
Architecture: x86_64
Compiler: gcc 5.4.0

Re: Block visibility on different layers

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 2:34 pm
by CVH
Rob,

TestBlock entities are created on layer 'object'
The left Block Reference is placed on layer 'object'
The right Block Reference is placed on layer 'hidden'

Freezing layer 'object' affects both, and the block entities, and the Block Reference.
Freezing layer 'hidden' only affects the right Block Reference.

One would expect the same with Show/Hide but that is not.
That is governed by Application Preferences .. Widgets .. Layer List preferences.

Regards,
CVH

Re: Block visibility on different layers

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 2:40 pm
by andrew
This is a common misunderstanding about blocks.

Not only the block reference but also the block contents is also on a layer. In this file the lines in block "testblock" are all on layer "object".
When turning off layer "object", the block reference on layer "hidden" is not hidden, but its entire contents is hidden.

Re: Block visibility on different layers

Posted: Tue Jan 11, 2022 3:42 pm
by RobB
Andrew,
Thanks for the explanation.
I'll move all library blocks to layer 0.
Rob