.. _layermanager:

Layer Manager (Panel)
-----------------------

.. image:: ../_images/layermanager.JPG
    :alt: Layer Manager Panel.

The Layer Manager organises all room geometry within a :ref:`system design file<filetypes>`.

**Creating Layers**
    :ref:`Layers<usinglayers>` are added using the first three buttons in the Layer Manager's top bar. From left to right, these will create a new :ref:`Quad<quad>`, new :ref:`Sector<sector>` and new :ref:`Free Plane<freeplane>`.
    Once created, the new :ref:`layers<usinglayers>` join the bottom of the :ref:`layer<usinglayers>` list.
    
    *See each* :ref:`Layer Type<layertypes>` *page for information about entering their data, and how to draw them.*

**Layer Groups**
    Layer groups also appear in the Layer Manager's list, and are a way to manipulate many layers at once.
    For more information, :ref:`see the page about Layer Groups<layergroups>`.

**Layer Properties**
    :ref:`Layers<usinglayers>` (and :ref:`Layer Groups<layergroups>`) can have attributes applied from the Layer Manager by clicking the round, green toggle for each property.
    For information about the job roles of these properties, :ref:`see the page about Layer Properties<layerproperties>`.

**Selecting Multiple Layers**
    The layer list supports multiselect: Shift-click to select a range, and Ctrl/Cmd-click to add or remove individual :ref:`layers<usinglayers>`. The right-click menu then acts on the whole selection - remove, duplicate, mirror, mark as scenery or obstacle, enable or disable - and a multi-selection can be dragged into a :ref:`group<layergroups>` together. ('Continue Layer' remains a single-layer action.)

**Setting the Ear Height of Many Layers**
    'Set ear height...' in the layer right-click menu sets the :ref:`listening height<ear>` for every selected :ref:`layer<usinglayers>` in one go. Applied to a :ref:`group<layergroups>`, it covers all the layers inside.

**Finding Layers from the 3D View**
    Click a :ref:`layer<usinglayers>` in the :ref:`3D View<3dview>` to find it in the Layer Manager - its groups expand and the row scrolls into view. Double-click a layer in the :ref:`3D View<3dview>` to open its editor.

**Importing and Exporting Layers**
    Using the last two buttons on the Layer Manager's top bar, layers can be imported and exported as :ref:`System Optimiser Layer Files<filetypes>`.

    Importing layers can be used to transfer geometry from Trimble Sketchup using the :ref:`CODA Sketchup Plugin<sketchup>`, or from existing System Optimiser files.

    Exporting layers allows only the room geometry to be transferred into new System Optimiser files.


As with all :ref:`Panels<panels>`, the Layer Manager Panel can be resized and moved using :ref:`Panel Drag & Drop<paneldrag>`, and 'popped out' into an :ref:`additional System Optimiser window<discreet System Optimiser Windows>`. The location of this Panel will be saved as part of the current :ref:`tab<View Modes>`.