Linking “Layers”

The first question that arises is, why do we link layers?

I guess its for the simple reason, that if you have several layers whose contents need to be moved at the same time, and the distance between the various objects should remain the same, you can do this only by linking layers.

To link layers together, we first specify a number in the “Link/Unlink” box (1).
For example, in the image below I have three oval shapes, each with their text, divided into six layers, all neatly aligned.
I would be able to move them one by one, but this would cost me a lot of time. It would be easier if we link these layers.
In order to do this, select a layer and click the “Link/Unlink” box (1).
Repeat this for each layer that you want linked to this number, which is all six layers in this case.
Once all layers have the same number, we select the “Move” tool and we drag these objects to the desired position.

 

Here’s another second example.
If you want these buttons under each other, then you give the same number to the form with the accompanying text, and you give each of these forms and their accompanying texts different numbers.

For example, for the text Contact and Contact No. give 1 and for the text, Course , give 2 and so on.

 

Each time you click on the “Link/Unlink” box the numbers increases by one.
If you reach the highest used number add 1, and that selects the next layer. If you click “No”, then the layer disconnected.

 

You need to do the same thing in the dialog, “Layer Properties”.

To open it double click the layer in the palette, “Layers”, and at the bottom of the dialog box enter the number in the “Linkset” box.

 

Grouping “Layers”

You can group layers for two reasons.
One reason is that you can apply different display modes to all of them at a time.
A second reason and the most important one, is to keep them in order.

To group layers, we must first create a layer group.
Click the arrow pointing downwards next to the “New layer” button and select “New layer group” in the drop-down menu.

This opens the dialog “New layer group” in which we enter a name for the group, and then click the OK button.

 

The only thing you have to do, to place all the “Layers” in this group, is to click and drag these to the Layer Group.

Please note that the position of the layer plays a key role.
For instance in a layer group if we have the text at the top of the layer, then it will not be visible.

Clicking on the plus/minus sign opens or closes the list of layers in the group.

Select a layer in a group and then click the button “New layer group.” Give the group a name, and click OK.
A group within a group is called a nested group.

Nested groups also have a plus / minus sign to expand or fold the layers in the group.

To remove the grouped layers, click the “Layers” option in the menu bar and select “Lift Grouping layers” in the drop-down menu.

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