Layer Explorer

Layer Explorer is a Scene Explorer mode that displays layers and their associated objects and properties. You can use it to create, delete, and nest layers, as well as to move objects between layers. You can also view and edit the settings for all layers in the scene, as well as the objects associated with them. You can specify the name, visibility, renderability, color, and objects' and layers' inclusion in the radiosity solution from this dialog.

• Main toolbar > (Toggle Layer Explorer)
• Layers Toolbar > (Toggle Layer Explorer)
• Standard menu: Tools menu > Layer Explorer
• Enhanced menu: Scene menu > Manage Scene Content > Layer Explorer
• Scene Explorer > View toolbar > Open drop-down list. > Layer Explorer
Note: These commands open a version of Scene Explorer specifically configured for managing layers. Alternatively, you can manage layers with any Scene Explorer by setting it to Sort By Layer mode ().

Objects are organized by layer in the dialog in a hierarchical list. By clicking or , you expand or collapse, respectively, the object list for each layer. To expand or collapse a layer and all of its child layers, hold the Ctrl key while you click the arrow icon. To expand a layer and select it and its contents, double-click the layer name. To sort all layers on a specific property, click the column head of the property to sort on.

Another useful function is the ability to open the Object Properties dialog and Layer Properties dialog for one or more highlighted objects or layers directly from the Layer Explorer right-click menu.

Note: Most functionality in Layer Explorer is identical to that of Scene Explorer. The topics in this section cover the differences between the two.

Interface

The Layer Explorer interface and workflow are identical to that of Scene Explorer, with the exception of the methods detailed in the procedures in the topic To Work With Layer Explorer. For details, see these topics:

• Scene Explorer
• Using Scene Explorer
• Scene Explorer Columns
• Scene Explorer Menus
• Scene Explorer Toolbars
• Manage Scene Explorer