Interpreting Layer Data from AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, and Revit

3ds Max has its own Layer system that looks and operates like a simplified version of the system you are familiar with from AutoCAD or AutoCAD Architecture. As in AutoCAD or AutoCAD Architecture, you can hide and unhide layers, freeze and unfreeze them, and change the display color for all objects on the layer.

NoteCategories in your Revit project are similar to Layers in AutoCAD. When you export your project to a DWG, categories are mapped to AutoCAD Layers via the Export Layers table. For more information regarding Export Layers, refer to your Autodesk Revit Help file.

Layer operations are accessed through the tools on the Layers toolbar, and also on an object-by-object basis using the quad menu.

Unlinked objects, such as 3ds Max objects or drawing geometry that has been bound into the scene using the Bind command, may be assigned to any layer you choose, including layers created by the File Link Manager.

Linked objects from AutoCAD, AutoCAD Architecture, or Revit, with some minor exceptions, will be assigned to the same layers they occupy in program where the drawing was created.

Any changes made to the layer settings in 3ds Max (hidden/unhidden, frozen/unfrozen, display color) affect linked objects just as they do unlinked objects. Also, any changes you make to the layers are not reset when you reload the drawing.

You can rename layers created by the File Link Manager. When the next reload occurs, the renamed layer is not affected by the File Link Manager. Objects on the renamed layer are updated; however, they remain on the same layer. The original layer is only recreated when a new object has been created in the DWG file. New objects are never placed on the renamed layer. You can also delete layers imported by the File Link Manager; but only if they don't contain any objects.

You can move actively linked objects between layers in 3ds Max. When the next reload occurs, the objects are updated; however, they are not moved back to their original layers. You can also place non-linked objects, such as 3ds Max objects or drawing geometry that has been bound into the scene, on any of the imported layers.

Objects contained in layers that are frozen in AutoCAD or AutoCAD Architecture are not linked to 3ds Max. Objects that were originally linked to 3ds Max are removed if their layer is frozen in AutoCAD or AutoCAD Architecture and the link is reloaded, but they are added again, upon reload, after their layer is unfrozen in the program where the drawing is created.

NoteThis is only the case if Skip All Frozen Layers is active on the Select Layers dialog. If you select the layers individually from a list, you can bring in data on frozen layers.