How to Use Layers
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Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout using the Surveyor '''Object''', '''Track''' and '''Train''' tools. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view or locked against alteration whenever required. Their main use is in the development of a Route and a Session but they can also be used as a way of providing some additional novelty during a Driver session. | Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout using the Surveyor '''Object''', '''Track''' and '''Train''' tools. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view or locked against alteration whenever required. Their main use is in the development of a Route and a Session but they can also be used as a way of providing some additional novelty during a Driver session. | ||
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
='''The Layers Tool'''= | ='''The Layers Tool'''= | ||
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==Loading a Route and Loading a Session== | ==Loading a Route and Loading a Session== | ||
+ | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7 width="730"> <!-- BEGIN top level --> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td colspan=2><span style="font-size: 17px;"><b>In Summary:</b></span></td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td>'''Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session.<td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td>'''If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear.'''</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> <!-- END top level --> | ||
The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a '''Route''' by itself (with no "child" Session) or a '''Session''' and its "parent" Route. | The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a '''Route''' by itself (with no "child" Session) or a '''Session''' and its "parent" Route. | ||
+ | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> <!-- BEGIN top level --> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td>Until you gain experience and confidence in working with '''Routes''' and '''Sessions''', and their layers, the best advice is to <span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">always load and edit a Session, not a Route.</span></td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> <!-- END top level --> | ||
− | <table> | + | <table> <!-- BEGIN top level --> |
<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:LayersToolsRoute.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:LayersToolsRoute.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
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<td><br> | <td><br> | ||
*The first image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Route only''' is loaded into Surveyor. These are the layers that are saved with the Route. '''Note that a default "session-layer" is present'''. | *The first image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Route only''' is loaded into Surveyor. These are the layers that are saved with the Route. '''Note that a default "session-layer" is present'''. | ||
− | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7> | + | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level --> |
<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td>'''An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.''' | + | <td>'''An empty default "session-layer" is always created in the Session Layers Group when only the Route is loaded into Surveyor.'''</td> |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td>''' | + | <td>'''If you load just the Route and edit its "session-layer" then those edits will not appear the next time you load just the Route''' because an empty "session-layer" is created each time a Route is loaded without a Session. |
+ | </td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> <!-- END 2nd level --> | ||
+ | *The second image on the left gives an example of the layers that can appear if a '''Session based on that Route''' is loaded into Surveyor. It shows Route Layers and Session Layers.<br><br> | ||
+ | |||
+ | In both cases, the '''Route Layers''' are identical because the same Route has been loaded. A Session contains its own layers, the '''Session Layers''', that are loaded and saved with the Session but are not loaded or saved with the Route.<br> | ||
+ | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> <!-- BEGIN 2nd level --> | ||
<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
− | <td>[[file: | + | <td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td> |
− | <td> | + | <td>If you load a '''Session''' and do not want to edit any of the '''Route layers''' then click the '''Lock Route Layers''' icon on the Layers Tool |
+ | <table> <!-- BEGIN 3rd level --> | ||
+ | <tr> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsLOCKALL.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td>Click the '''Lock Button'''</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
− | + | </table> <!-- END 3rd level --> | |
− | + | ||
− | < | + | |
</td> | </td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
− | </table> | + | </table> <!-- END 2nd level --> |
+ | </td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> <!-- END top level --> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
− | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#fcbcbc> | + | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#fcbcbc> <!-- BEGIN top level --> |
<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
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</tr> | </tr> | ||
<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
− | <td></td> | + | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> |
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''If you load a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ROUTE</span> without a SESSION then only <span style="text-decoration: underline;">edit the Route Layers</span>'''</span></td> | <td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''If you load a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ROUTE</span> without a SESSION then only <span style="text-decoration: underline;">edit the Route Layers</span>'''</span></td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
− | </ | + | <tr valign="top"> |
− | </td> | + | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> |
+ | <td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''If you load a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SESSION</span> and edit any Session layers then <span style="text-decoration: underline;">save the Session</span>'''</span></td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''When you save a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SESSION</span>, give it a distinctive descriptive name (do <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NOT</span> use Default)'''</span></td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
− | < | + | <!-- END top level --> |
+ | |||
==Creating a New Route== | ==Creating a New Route== | ||
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<tr> | <tr> | ||
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsDELETE.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td>Select the layer to be deleted and click the '''Delete Button'''. If you don't select a layer to delete then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''.</td> | + | <td>Select the layer to be deleted and click the '''Delete Button'''. <span style="background-color: yellow;"> If you don't select a layer to delete then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''. </span></td> |
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td>'''Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer''' except objects that are "Bound" to that layer.</td> | + | <td>'''Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer''' except objects that are "Bound" to that layer. See [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below.</td> |
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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<td>[[file:Choices.PNG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:Choices.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
<td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Choices:'''</span><br> | <td><span style="font-size: 17px;">'''Choices:'''</span><br> | ||
− | *Click '''Merge''' to merge this layer and its contents into another layer. See '''Merging Layers''' below for more information | + | *Click '''Merge''' to merge this layer and its contents into another layer. See '''Merging Layers''' below for more information. <span style="background-color: #fcbcbc; font-weight: 700;"> NOTE: Merge cannot be undone </span> |
− | *Click '''Delete''' to delete the layer and its contents. | + | *Click '''Delete''' to delete the layer and its contents. <span style="background-color: #fcbcbc; font-weight: 700;"> NOTE: Delete cannot be undone </span> |
*Click '''Cancel''' to cancel the delete operation</td> | *Click '''Cancel''' to cancel the delete operation</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
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<tr> | <tr> | ||
<td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:LayersToolButtonsMERGE.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td>Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the '''Merge Button'''. If you don't select a layer to merge then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''.</td> | + | <td>Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the '''Merge Button'''. <span style="background-color: yellow;"> If you don't select a layer to merge then '''Trainz''' will select the current '''Active Layer'''. </span></td> |
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td>'''The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved or deleted''' but they can be moved to other layers.</td> | + | <td>'''The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted''' but they can be moved to other layers.</td> |
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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</table> | </table> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
='''Route Layers vs Session Layers'''= | ='''Route Layers vs Session Layers'''= | ||
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<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td> | + | <td>In general, there are no "cast iron" rules that dictate what should be placed in the '''Route Layers Group''' and what should be placed in the '''Session Layers Group''' (for an exception see '''Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes''' below). Each Route and Session will be different and different creators have different ways of working. The main question to be asked is how many different '''Sessions''' will be created using a particular '''Route'''?</td> |
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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:Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions. | :Many creators build multiple Sessions for each Route and rely on the Session Layers to create the differences between their Sessions. | ||
</td> | </td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
+ | <br> | ||
+ | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:NotePad.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td><span style="font-size: 17px; font-weight: 700;">Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes:</span><br> | ||
+ | *The '''recommended''' practice in these versions of Trainz is to place all consists in a '''session layer''' and '''NOT''' in a '''route layer'''. Because these versions use a '''Unified Driver Surveyor''', placing a train in a route layer after switching from Driver to Surveyor will mean that it will not appear in your existing sessions (other than the one you are currently editing) | ||
+ | *Recent experiments using the '''Unified Driver Surveyor''' have indicated that when portals produce trains they will be placed into the same layer as the portal - so if a train that is in a '''Session layer''' enters a portal that is in a '''Route layer''' and is later returned to the layout, it will be returned in the same '''Route layer''' as the portal. This has ''possibly always been the case'' with portals but has not been noticed until the arrival of the '''Unified Driver Surveyor'''</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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*'''Hiding and Showing Objects''' in '''Driver Mode'''. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed. | *'''Hiding and Showing Objects''' in '''Driver Mode'''. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed. | ||
*A '''Test Layer''' for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer. | *A '''Test Layer''' for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer. | ||
+ | *A '''Ruler Layer''' if you are using rulers. Although rulers obey layering behavior just like all other objects and splines, they have the shortcoming of having no properties window to summon to manage their layering. Consider placing all rulers on a dedicated layer with the following rational: a) If you need to move or delete them, you know exactly which layer to unlock to do so; b) Hiding a dedicated ruler layer will eliminate their visual obstruction for your clarity in Surveyor modeling in a single easy step; c) Since rulers cannot be bound (see [[file:PageLink.PNG|link=]] '''[[#The Bound Layer|The Bound Layer]]''' section below), you cannot use the secondary layer techniques, discussed below, to manage them; and finally (d) Too many rulers can slow down performance, therefore a dedicated layer which can be deleted when dimensioning and alignment work is completed is an efficient way to manage rulers and your route. | ||
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> | ||
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<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
<td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:Stop.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
− | <td>'''Track objects''', such as signals, junctions and track signs, ''cannot'' be placed in any layer that is above the layer containing the track that they are attached to. If the '''route-layer''' is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem.</td> | + | <td>'''Track objects''', such as signals, junctions and track signs, ''cannot'' be placed in any layer that is above the layer (i.e. higher up the list of layers) containing the track that they are attached to. If the '''route-layer''' is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem.</td> |
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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<td>It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the "route-layer":- | <td>It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the "route-layer":- | ||
*Track and interactive industries with track | *Track and interactive industries with track | ||
− | *Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels) | + | *Track infrastructure (turntables, bridges, tunnels, etc) |
− | *Signals | + | *Signals and track signs (speed limits, warnings, distance, etc) |
*Junctions and switches | *Junctions and switches | ||
− | |||
..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the '''Route Layers Group'''.</td> | ..and that the "route-layer" be placed at the top of the '''Route Layers Group'''.</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
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<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
<td> | <td> | ||
− | *'''It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same Session Layer''' | + | *'''It is a good idea to place ALL the consists in the same Session Layer''' and using a Session Layer for '''ALL''' consists is the '''recommended''' method for '''Trainz Plus'''. Particularly if they are going to be coupled together during the running of a Session. |
*'''When you first save a Session, give it a distinctive and informative name.''' Avoid the temptation to use '''Default''' as the name of your Session as you can easily end up with several Sessions under the same Route all called '''Default'''.</td> | *'''When you first save a Session, give it a distinctive and informative name.''' Avoid the temptation to use '''Default''' as the name of your Session as you can easily end up with several Sessions under the same Route all called '''Default'''.</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
+ | |||
='''Adding Objects To Layers'''= | ='''Adding Objects To Layers'''= | ||
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</table> | </table> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
='''Deleting Objects From Layers'''= | ='''Deleting Objects From Layers'''= | ||
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</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
+ | * An exception to this practice may be required when using the <b>Delete Ruler</b> tool. Unless a dedicated ruler layer was established, or otherwise, if the layer of a ruler(s) to be deleted is specifically known, there is no easy way to identify which of layer(s) a ruler(s) may reside on (this due to the unavailability of properties windows for rulers). Therefore when using the <b>Delete Ruler</b> tool, it is most efficient to temporarily unlock and unhide all layers under most circumstances. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7> | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#c1e7e7> | ||
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</table> | </table> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
='''Moving Objects To Other Layers'''= | ='''Moving Objects To Other Layers'''= | ||
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<td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
<td>Multiple scenery objects can be moved to another layer by using the '''Bulk Asset Update/Replacement''' tool from the ''Surveyor Main Menu''</td> | <td>Multiple scenery objects can be moved to another layer by using the '''Bulk Asset Update/Replacement''' tool from the ''Surveyor Main Menu''</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:DotPoint.JPG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td>Rulers cannot be moved to a different layer because no properties window can be summoned for them. To move a ruler to another layer, it must be manually reproduced on the desired layer (using the Add Ruler Tool), then the pre-existing ruler must be deleted (using the Delete Ruler tool). </td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table></td> | </table></td> | ||
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</table> | </table> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
='''The Bound Layer'''= | ='''The Bound Layer'''= | ||
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#Click the '''Bound Layer''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons''' | #Click the '''Bound Layer''' box or one of its '''scroll buttons''' | ||
#Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer) | #Select the layer to be used as the '''Bound Layer''' for the object (an object cannot be bound to its own layer) | ||
− | |||
The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''<none>'''''.</td> | The effects of the binding can be reversed by setting the '''Bound Layer''' back to '''''<none>'''''.</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
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</table> | </table> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
+ | |||
<table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> | ||
<tr valign="top"> | <tr valign="top"> | ||
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<td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td> | <td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
<td>If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session.</td> | <td>If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session.</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
+ | <br> | ||
+ | |||
+ | <table cellpadding="4" bgcolor=#ffffb0> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td>[[file:PencilTips.PNG|link=]]</td> | ||
+ | <td>Note that although <b>rulers</b> are layer resident, they cannot be managed by a bounding layer technique because there is no facility to display or edit their properties.</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
+ | <br> | ||
+ | |||
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
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**The '''Show/Hide Layer Rule''' is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden. | **The '''Show/Hide Layer Rule''' is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden. | ||
**The '''Message Popup Rule''' is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded. | **The '''Message Popup Rule''' is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded. | ||
− | [[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]] | + | <br> |
+ | <table width="100%"> | ||
+ | <tr valign="top"> | ||
+ | <td align="right">[[file:BackToTop.png|link=#top|alt=Top|Top]]</td> | ||
+ | </tr> | ||
+ | </table> | ||
+ | |||
---- | ---- | ||
---- | ---- | ||
− | |||
='''Trainz Wiki'''= | ='''Trainz Wiki'''= | ||
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</tr> | </tr> | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
− | + | ---- | |
+ | This page was created by Trainz user '''<span class="plainlinks">[http://online.ts2009.com/mediaWiki/index.php/User:Pware pware]</span>''' in June 2018 and was last updated as shown below. | ||
+ | ---- | ||
[[Category:How-to guides]] | [[Category:How-to guides]] |
Revision as of 09:47, 26 May 2020
The information in this Wiki Page applies to TANE, TRS19 and Trainz Plus.
Contents |
What Are Layers?
In Summary: | ||
Layers are a Surveyor tool that allows you to better manage the objects that are placed in your Trainz World. | ||
Layers are a Driver tool that allows you to change what the players see as they drive around your Trainz World. |
Layers can contain any objects, visible and invisible, that can be placed into a layout using the Surveyor Object, Track and Train tools. The layers and their contents can be hidden from view or locked against alteration whenever required. Their main use is in the development of a Route and a Session but they can also be used as a way of providing some additional novelty during a Driver session.
The Layers Tool
Loading a Route and Loading a Session
In Summary: | ||
Route Layers are saved with the Route. Session Layers are saved with the Session. | ||
If you edit a Session Layer and later load just the Route then those edits will not appear. |
The layers you see will depend on whether you have loaded a Route by itself (with no "child" Session) or a Session and its "parent" Route.
Until you gain experience and confidence in working with Routes and Sessions, and their layers, the best advice is to always load and edit a Session, not a Route. |
In both cases, the Route Layers are identical because the same Route has been loaded. A Session contains its own layers, the Session Layers, that are loaded and saved with the Session but are not loaded or saved with the Route.
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WARNING: | |
If you load a ROUTE without a SESSION then only edit the Route Layers | |
If you load a SESSION and edit any Session layers then save the Session | |
When you save a SESSION, give it a distinctive descriptive name (do NOT use Default) |
Creating a New Route
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The "Active Layer"
In Summary: | |
The Active Layer is the selected (highlighted) layer. | |
When you load the Route only into Surveyor, the first Route layer will be the Active Layer | |
When you load a Session into Surveyor, the first Session layer will be the Active Layer |
In the image above, the route-layer is the Active Layer. You can change the Active Layer at any time by clicking on the name of another layer.
Notes: The Active Layer is the "working layer" which is:-
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Caution: | |
Trainz does not identify which is the Active Layer in Surveyor and this often leads to problems such as objects being added to the wrong layer. See Adding Objects To Layers below for more information. |
Adding a New Layer
Click the Add Button |
An Add layer dialogue window will appear.
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Deleting a Layer
Select the layer to be deleted and click the Delete Button. If you don't select a layer to delete then Trainz will select the current Active Layer. |
Warning: | |
Deleting a layer will delete ALL the objects placed in that layer except objects that are "Bound" to that layer. See The Bound Layer section below. |
If the layer being deleted is empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-
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If the layer being deleted is NOT empty, then the following dialogue window will appear:-
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Merging Layers
Select the layer to be merged into another layer and click the Merge Button. If you don't select a layer to merge then Trainz will select the current Active Layer. |
In Summary: | |
Merging a layer into another layer will move ALL the objects from the first layer into the second layer. The first layer, which is now empty, will then be deleted. | |
Once layers have been merged they cannot be separated. |
The layer merge dialogue window will appear as shown below:-
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Locking Layers
It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer. |
If you LOCK or UNLOCK a Route Layer while editing a Session then you will have made a change to the Route and will be asked to save both the Route and the Session when you exit Surveyor. |
Locking Individual Layers
To LOCK an individual layer, click on the Open Padlock icon next to its name. The layer being locked does not have to be the current Active Layer.
The objects in a LOCKED layer cannot be moved (around the layout) or deleted but they can be moved to other layers. |
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If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
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Locking ALL Route Layers
Click the Lock Button |
This will LOCK ALL the layers in the Route Layers Group. The Session Layers Group will not be affected.
The Route Layers Group can be UNLOCKED by clicking the Lock Button again.
Moving a Layer
Main Points: | |
Layers can be moved up or down
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A layer containing track objects (e.g. signals, switches, etc) CANNOT be placed above the layer containing the track |
In the example shown below a layer created in the Route Layers Group is being moved into the Session Layers Group.
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Hiding Layers
To hide or show a layer click the Eye Icon next to its name.
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Route Layers vs Session Layers
This topic has filled endless threads in the Trainz Forums with arguments raging on both sides.
In Summary: | |
In general, there are no "cast iron" rules that dictate what should be placed in the Route Layers Group and what should be placed in the Session Layers Group (for an exception see Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes below). Each Route and Session will be different and different creators have different ways of working. The main question to be asked is how many different Sessions will be created using a particular Route? |
Notes:
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Trainz Plus and TRS19 Platinum Notes:
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The Route Layers Group
The Route Layer Group should be used for everything that will always appear in Driver Mode regardless of which Session is playing. |
There is nothing stopping you from placing everything in the "route-layer" of the Route Layers Group and never having to worry about dealing with layers ever again - some creators prefer to work this way. However, layers do provide you with a way of organising your scenery objects to make them more manageable, particularly in more complicated layouts. Some examples:-
- A Special Objects layer or layers that can be used to hold certain scenery objects. For example all the trees or a particular building. This can be very useful when you need to hide those objects to locate or place other objects. Trackside cameras in particular can be very difficult to find when placed in a forest.
- A Platform Objects layer can be used to hold all platform items such as seats, luggage, luggage trolleys, people, lamp posts, etc. Because these items are placed on top of a platform object they can be very difficult to move or delete without first moving the platform. The layer containing the platform can be locked allowing these objects to be easily moved or deleted.
- Hiding and Showing Objects in Driver Mode. There is a Session Rule and a Driver Command that can hide and show layers during the running of a Session. For example: a rail worker can be placed in a separate layer and positioned next to a track lever while shunting operations are underway but can be removed from the scene by hiding that layer when shunting has been completed.
- A Test Layer for experimenting. Not sure if a particular object is right for your layout? Place it in a temporary layer which you can hide and show to see any differences it makes. This is particularly useful if you are deciding between different types of grasses, for example, placed throughout the layout. If the objects prove to be unsuitable then they can all be deleted by deleting the layer. If they are suitable then the layer can be merged with another or left as a new layer.
- A Ruler Layer if you are using rulers. Although rulers obey layering behavior just like all other objects and splines, they have the shortcoming of having no properties window to summon to manage their layering. Consider placing all rulers on a dedicated layer with the following rational: a) If you need to move or delete them, you know exactly which layer to unlock to do so; b) Hiding a dedicated ruler layer will eliminate their visual obstruction for your clarity in Surveyor modeling in a single easy step; c) Since rulers cannot be bound (see The Bound Layer section below), you cannot use the secondary layer techniques, discussed below, to manage them; and finally (d) Too many rulers can slow down performance, therefore a dedicated layer which can be deleted when dimensioning and alignment work is completed is an efficient way to manage rulers and your route.
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The "route-layer"
To avoid any confusion over which layer is the original "route-layer", this is one layer that should not be renamed or moved from the top position. |
While all layers are equal, the "route-layer" is special.
Warning: | |
Track objects, such as signals, junctions and track signs, cannot be placed in any layer that is above the layer (i.e. higher up the list of layers) containing the track that they are attached to. If the route-layer is used for all the track and track objects and this layer is left as the top layer then this will never be a problem. |
It is recommended that the following objects should be placed in the "route-layer":-
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The Session Layers Group
The Session Layers Group should be used for everything that will only be seen in the currently loaded Session. |
If you are creating more than one Session based around a particular Route, then you will probably make use of the Session Layers.
Notes: Session Layers can contain:-
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Adding Objects To Layers
When an object (such as a scenery item, consist, track or track object) is added to the layout it is automatically placed in the currently Active Layer. Unfortunately, Trainz does not indicate which layer is the Active Layer unless you open the Layers Tool to look. This can lead to objects being placed into the wrong layers and while these objects can later be moved to another layer (see the section Moving Objects To Other Layers below) it would be better to correctly set the Active Layer first.
It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally adding objects to the wrong layer. |
You cannot add objects to a layer that is LOCKED. |
If you attempt to add a scenery object to a locked layer you will receive the following message:-
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When adding track objects (signals, speed signs, etc) to a track, the objects being added must be in the same layer as the track or in a layer below the track layer. For more information, see the section The "route-layer" above. |
Notes: There are many features of Trainz Routes and Sessions that are NOT stored in layers. These include:-
Landforms, textures and trackside cameras are saved as part of the Route while all the others are saved as part of a Session.
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Deleting Objects From Layers
It is good practice to LOCK ALL LAYERS that you are not currently editing. This will avoid the all too common problem of accidentally deleting objects from the wrong layer. |
- An exception to this practice may be required when using the Delete Ruler tool. Unless a dedicated ruler layer was established, or otherwise, if the layer of a ruler(s) to be deleted is specifically known, there is no easy way to identify which of layer(s) a ruler(s) may reside on (this due to the unavailability of properties windows for rulers). Therefore when using the Delete Ruler tool, it is most efficient to temporarily unlock and unhide all layers under most circumstances.
You cannot delete objects from a layer that is LOCKED. |
Unfortunately Trainz does not give you a warning message when you attempt to delete an object from a locked layer, the object just refuses to be deleted.
If you cannot delete an object then check:-
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Moving Objects To Other Layers
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The Bound Layer
This is a little used and probably little understood layer feature. It allows you to attach an object to two different layers so it can have the properties (locked/unlocked and show/hide) of both layers. The bound layer was introduced as a development tool, its sole use is as a tool in the building of routes and sessions.
An object will be LOCKED and cannot be deleted or moved if its layer OR its bound layer is locked. | |
An object will be HIDDEN if its layer OR its bound layer is hidden. |
Some applications:-
- Temporarily locking an object by binding it to a locked layer while allowing other objects in the same unlocked layer to be moved or deleted. A simple but very effective development technique is to create a Route layer called "Locked" and then lock it. If you need to temporarily stop an object from being deleted or moved then it can be bound to the "Locked" layer.
- Temporarily hiding an object by binding it to a hidden layer (this will require the hidden layer to be made visible so the object can be unbound).
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When a layer is deleted any objects bound to that layer will have their Bound Layer reset to <none> |
If you are going to be working with multiple objects that will be bound to a locked or hidden layer then a simple strategy is to:-
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If you need to remove an object from a route but cannot alter the route (e.g. it is payware or under another users kuid) then create a new hidden session layer and change the bound layer of the object to the hidden layer. This will be treated as a change to the session only and Trainz will not ask you to save the route as well as the session. |
Note that although rulers are layer resident, they cannot be managed by a bounding layer technique because there is no facility to display or edit their properties. |
Layers in Driver Mode
During the running of a Session in Driver Mode visible layers can be hidden and invisible layers revealled according to the events that occur during the Session.
The two Driver Mode scenes shown on the left illustrate this feature.
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This effect could be achieved in two different ways:-
- A Driver Command - specific to a particular driver, or
- A Session Rule - specific to a particular driver, consist, or any driver/consist
Using a Driver Command
The driver command Layer Control hides and shows named layers.
Using Session Rules
Rules Used: |
- Trackside Check Rule - to trigger the event
- Show/Hide Layer Rule - to hide layers
- Message Popup Rule - to open a browser window with a message
Session Editor Screenshot: |
Description: |
In this example:-
- The Trackside Check Rule is triggered when a specific train comes to a stop at a trackmark. This then executes the following rules:-
- The Show/Hide Layer Rule is used to hide the layer named "People". Four passengers (three standing and one seated) are hidden.
- The Show/Hide Layer Rule is used to hide the layer named "CNJCartsFull". The boxes and mail bags on the three platform trolleys are hidden.
- The Message Popup Rule is used to place a message on the screen informing the player that the passengers and mail have been loaded.
Trainz Wiki
More Tutorials and Guides to Using Trainz |
This page was created by Trainz user pware in June 2018 and was last updated as shown below.