Layers Management and Understanding Which Layers Symbol Objects Are Assigned To
Introduction
Layers are a fundamental component of organizing and controlling drawing content in HyDraw. Understanding how objects within a symbol are assigned to layers, and how layer properties are managed, enables users to customize drawings while maintaining consistency and avoiding unexpected behavior.
This article explains which layers are assigned to symbols objects or entities, how symbol layer assignments work, how layer properties are applied, and which layer settings can be customized, saved in templates, or are managed automatically by HyDraw.
Layer Assignments
Symbols
The image below illustrates the different layers assigned to the various objects and entities within a symbol. Each object is assigned to a specific layer based on its purpose and functionality. Examples include Line segments, the Solenoid ID, Function text, Solenoid Labels, Item ID, Display Properties, Port Names, and other symbol components.
The image below shows the layers assigned to the various objects and entities within a manifold, system, or sub-system schematic. These include the Manifold/System/Sub-System envelope, Item ID, External Ports, Display Properties, and other associated components.
Connection Lines
The images below illustrate the different connection line types and their corresponding layer assignments. Examples include Pressure, Tank, Control, Drain, and other connection line categories.
Similarly, custom connection lines are assigned to their respective layers, as illustrated in the image below.
Layer Management
Layer Properties and Descriptions
The image below provides a brief description of each layer, explaining its purpose and what it represents or controls within a symbol. You can access Layer Properties from the Drafting tab, in the Layers group on the ribbon. Understanding the function of each layer helps you effectively manage symbol visibility, editing behavior, and template settings.
Layer Configuration and Customization
The Color, Linetype, Lineweight, and Plot Style properties of layers can be modified from the Layers Properties Manager to meet specific drafting requirements. Any changes made to these properties are applied immediately to the active drawing and are reflected in real time.
You can also create new layers with custom names and property configurations based on project requirements. If these layer settings need to be reused across multiple drawings or maintained as a company drafting standard, save the drawing as a template. The template can then be used for future projects to ensure consistent layer configurations and drafting standards.
The Layer, Color, Weight, and Linetype properties for connection lines can be configured from HyDraw Options > Application Settings > Connection Properties, as shown in the image below.
By default, the ISO checkbox is selected for Pressure, Reservoir, Control, Drain, Suction, and Working connection lines, which locks their properties from being edited. To modify these properties, clear the corresponding ISO checkbox.
Any changes made to the connection line properties apply only to newly created connection lines in the active drawings. Existing connection lines in the drawing are not affected. These settings are also retained across new drawing creations and subsequent launches of HyDraw sessions.
To restore the default connection line settings, click Reset. This reloads the default property values from the HyDraw Library database. If you want to prevent further modifications and use the default ISO settings, reselect the ISO checkbox to lock the properties.
For more information about the Connection Properties tab, refer to the corresponding section in the HyDraw User Manual.
The properties of the Manifold, System, and Sub-System envelope lines can also be configured from HyDraw Options > Document Settings > Miscellaneous > Envelope Lines. Changes made to these settings apply only to newly created envelope lines in the active drawings. Existing manifold, system, and sub-system envelope line entities are not affected by these changes.
Please note that the changes made in the Connection Properties or Envelope Lines settings do not modify the layer settings defined in the Layer Properties Manager. The Connection Properties settings control only the properties and representation of connection lines, while the Envelope Lines settings control only the properties and representation of manifold, system, and sub-system envelope lines.
Symbol Color - ISO-1219
All default symbols provided with HyDraw are created in accordance with the ISO 1219-1 standard. For detailed information on symbol definitions and graphical representations, please refer to the ISO 1219-1 standard document.
If you do not want to use the ISO 1219-1 color scheme, clear the Symbol color – ISO 1219 checkbox under HyDraw Options > Document Settings > Miscellaneous > Display as shown below.
Disabling this option changes the color of all symbol-related layers to white (for a black background) or black (for a white background) as shown below. This setting does not affect connection lines or other AutoCAD layers.
You can further customize the appearance of symbols by modifying the layer properties in the Layer Properties Manager to meet your project or company drafting standards.
A known issue currently exists where the color customizations of symbol-related layers in the Layer Properties Manager are reset to white or black when a new symbol is inserted after disabling the Symbol color – ISO 1219 option. As a workaround, it is recommended to make any layer color customizations at the final stage of the drawing or design process.
If you notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies in the default symbols, please contact the HyDraw Support team at hydrawsupport@vestusa.com. Reported issues will be reviewed and addressed in accordance with the applicable standards and product guidelines.