How to Turn On Layers in SketchUp 2021?

Understanding Layers in SketchUp 2021

Layers are an essential tool for organizing and managing elements within your SketchUp model. SketchUp 2021 has streamlined its approach to layers, using a system of tags that enhances functionality while promoting better model performance. Here’s how to activate and manage layers in SketchUp 2021.

Accessing the Layers Panel

1. Open SketchUp 2021: Launch your SketchUp application and open the project you want to work on.

2. Locate the Panel Tray: Look for the panel tray on your workspace. If the Layers panel is not visible, you will need to open it through the menu.

3. Open Layers:
   • Navigate to the top menu bar, click on Window, and then select Layers from the dropdown.
   • The Layers panel will now appear on your screen, allowing you to view and manage your layers efficiently.

Understanding Layers and Tags

In SketchUp 2021, layers have been replaced with a tagging system, fundamentally working the same way but offering new grouping capabilities. When you categorize your model elements, you can now create tag folders that help keep your workspace organized.

How to Create a Tag (Layer)

1. Open the Layers Panel (or Tags panel): Follow the steps in the previous section to access your Layers panel.

2. Add a New Tag:

   • Click on the ‘+’ or ‘Add’ button typically located at the bottom of the Layers panel.
   • Enter a name for your new tag that represents the group of elements you wish to categorize (e.g., "Walls", "Furniture", etc.).
   • Press Enter. Your new tag will now appear in the panel.
3. Assign Entities to Tags:
   • With the Select tool active, click on the entity you want to assign to a tag.
   • In the Layers panel, choose the appropriate tag from the dropdown menu. This will associate that entity with the selected tag, controlling its visibility.

Managing Tag Visibility

Controlling what is visible in your model is essential for clarity and focus. You can easily hide or show tags as needed.

1. Toggle Visibility: In the Layers panel, you will see a checkbox next to each tag.
   • Uncheck the box to hide the entities associated with that tag.
   • Check the box to display them again. This allows for quick adjustments based on what you want visible at any given time.

Grouping Tags for Better Organization

To keep your workspace tidy, you can group related tags into folders. This is particularly useful for larger projects.

1. Create a Tag Folder:

   • Right-click on an empty space in the Layers panel.
   • Select Create Tag Folder from the context menu.
   • Name the folder accordingly.
2. Add Tags to the Folder: Drag and drop the tags you want to group into your newly created folder. This helps maintain order when managing numerous tags.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the benefits of using tags instead of traditional layers in SketchUp 2021?
Tags enhance performance by minimizing clutter and allowing for organization through folders, improving both collaboration and project management.

2. How do I delete a tag in SketchUp 2021?
To delete a tag, access the Tags panel, right-click on the tag you wish to remove, and select Delete. Ensure that no entities are assigned to the tag before deletion.

3. Can I use tags in both the desktop and web versions of SketchUp?
Yes, the concept of tags is consistent across both versions, although the interface might look different. You can manage tags similarly in both environments.