TAGS/LAYERS: MADE SIMPLE
PlusSpec comes with an automated library of tags (formerly known as layers), and everything you draw in PlusSpec will be automatically assigned to the correct layers.
This is AWESOME! Why? Because Layers are key to controlling your 3D Model, your 2D drawings, and your BOM.
Layers have two super important functions:
- They control each object so that you can edit and manipulate them easily. This includes the visibility of each object in your scenes/views (2D drawings). Note: PlusSpec automates scene creation too!
- They control the Take-off/BOM output.
Think of them as the way in which you control all of the information, as well as the visibility of everything you draw. This is the essence of ‘BIM’.
Although PlusSpec automates everything for you, you may need to create custom objects (with SketchUp) or create custom scenes/views. You will want to assign custom objects to the appropriate PlusSpec Layer so you can control your plans and/or BOM. You may also need to create custom layers (although this is rare).
HOW TAGS/LAYERS WORK
There are two kinds of Layers in PlusSpec for SketchUp:
Parent Layers
These control all materials/build-ups that make a building component, such as a wall, roof, slab, etc.
Nested Layers
These are housed under the relevant Parent layer, and consist of the various materials/build-ups that make up a building component, such as a wall, roof, slab, etc.
Example
Let’s take a look at a Masonry Veneer wall.
The Parent layer is the WALL_GROUP, which binds the materials/build-up into what they all make when used together: a wall.
However, there are multiple nested layers that make up this wall. For example, there is the brick/block material, which is held on the 19A_BRICKWORK layer. However, you may have also specified masonry hardware, which is held on the 19B_BRICK HARDWARE layer. There is also the timber/lumber frame, held on the 17A_FRAME layer. The internal finish (wall lining) is held on the 26_INTERNAL_FINISH layer, and the insulation is held on the STUD FRAME – 22_INSULATION layer. Depending on what materials you have chosen to specify, the list may go on.
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE NUMBERS?
The numbering system is generic, and roughly represent a build sequence. In other words, the lower numbers will generally be the first items that will be ordered/built, and the higher numbers will be the last.
For example: you would typically start ordering/building a project with the engineering, site setup and slab/joist. You then move on to walls, etc. However, this is a rough guide only.
If a layer doesn’t have a number, it is likely a Parent layer or standalone layer. These layers will not form part of your Take-off/BOM (although there are a couple of exceptions to this rule).
THE BEST WAY TO LEARN
The best way to understand the PlusSpec for SketchUp Layering system is to have your ‘Entity Info’ and ‘Layers’ trays open at all times.
If you left click on a building component/object (such as a wall), you will see the Parent Layer displayed in the Entity Info. If you keep double-clicking into the object, you will see that each material/build-up is nested on their respective layers.
PLUSSPEC LAYERS BREAKDOWN
00_Hidden on Plan
This tag is for Wall Mitres (in plan view)
01_Imported_Elevation
This tag is for PDF imports on the Red or Green Axis
01_Imported_Floor_Plan
This tag is for PDF imports on the Horizontal Axis
1_PlusSpec Snapshot
This tag is for Near maps and free (Flat) aerial imagery
1_PlusSpec Terrain
This tag is for Near maps and free 3D terain
12_ENGINEERING
This is the layer for all components (steel columns & beams) in the Structural Steel category of the Component Tool.
13_SITE_SETUP
This is the layer for all components in the Site category of the Component Tool.
16_REINFORCEMENT
This tag is for Concrete reinforcement
16_SLAB
This is the layer for the content materials (concrete by default) in the Slab & Footing Tools.
16_TERMITE_BARRIER
This is the layer for the underwall & underslab protection materials (termite barrier or membrane) in the Wall & Slab Tools.
17A_FRAME
This is the layer for the structural wall framing materials (studs & top plates) in the Wall Tool.
17A_BATTENS
This tag is for Timber wall battens
17B_ROOF_BATTEN
This tag is for Timber roof battens.
17B_ROOF_FRAME
This is the layer for the structural roof framing materials (only rafters at the moment) in the Rafter Tool.
17C_ROOF_TRUSSES
This is the layer for the structural roof trusses in the Roof Truss Tool.
17_BEAMS/PLATES
This is the layer for the plate materials in the Timber/Lumber Plates category of the Beam Tool..
17_FLOORING
This is the layer for the flooring materials (ply/sheet flooring) in the Ceiling & Floor Joist Tools. It is also the group layer for the Floor Tool.
17_FLOOR_TRUSS
This is the layer for the structural floor truss materials in the Ceiling & Floor Joist Tools.
17_JOIST
This is the layer for the structural joist materials (solid timber/lumber & LVL) in the Ceiling & Floor Joist Tools.
17_JOIST_BLOCKING
This tag is for Blocking between the bearers & joist.
17_JOIST_HARDWARE
This tag is for Joist brackets & hangers added through the Joist Hanger Tool.
17_STEEL_BEAMS
This is the layer for the structural steel beam materials in the Ceiling, Floor Joist & Beam Tools.
17_WALL_BRACING
This tag is for Cross or Sheet bracing on walls
18_GLAZING
This is the layer for the glazing materials (glass) in the Window & Door Tools (where glass is used).
18_WINDOWS
This is the layer for the window and metal/aluminium door components in the Window & Door Tools.
19A_BRICKWORK
This is the layer for the masonry materials (brick, block, etc) in the Wall Tool. Note: This is only for the face that the material is applied to and not the wall skin/block.
19B_BRICK_HARDWARE
This is the layer for the masonry hardware materials (otherside of masonry walls) in the Wall Tool and steel lintels for windows & doors. Note: This is only for the face that the material is applied to and not the wall skin/block.
19C_CLADDING
This is the layer for the cladding materials in the Wall & Hip Roof Tools (gable & dutch gable). Note: This is only for the face that the material is applied to and not the wall skin/block.
19C_INSULATED_CLADDING
This is the layer for the insulated cladding materials (EPS/XPS) in the Wall Tool. Note: This is only for the face that the material is applied to and not the wall skin/block.
19D_CONCRETE_WALL
This is the layer for the Solid Wall content materials (concrete) in the Wall Tool. If materials are created from the concrete material (as a template) they will use this layer.
19D_SOLID_WALL
This is the layer for the Solid Wall content materials (CLT) in the Wall Tool. If materials are created from the CLT material (as a template) they will use this layer.
19E_STUCCO
This is the layer for the Lightweight Multi-Skin Wall external materials (render/stucco) in the Wall Tool. Note: This is only for the face that the material is applied to and not the wall skin/block.
1_PlusSpec Snapshot
This is the layer for the 2D map screenshot/image imported from the Solar North Tools.
1_PlusSpec Terrain
This is the layer for the 3D map screenshot/image imported from the Solar North Tools.
20A_PLUMBING_ITEMS
This is the layer for all components (steel columns & beams) in the Plumbing category of the Component Tool. It is also the layer for plumbing components from the BIMBits 3D Model Library.
20B_PLUMBING_PENETRATIONS
This is the layer for all components (steel columns & beams) in the Plumbing category of the Component Tool that have a penetration through either walls or floor (e.g. slab or joist). This will only be a circle to show where the penetration will be.
21_CAPPING
This is the layer for the capping materials (metal, tile & slate/shingles) in the Hip Roof Tool.
21_EAVES
This is the layer for the eave/soffit materials in the Hip & Skillion Roofs Tools.
21_FASCIA
This is the layer for the fascia materials (metal/aluminium or timber) in the Hip & Skillion Roofs Tools.
21_GUTTER
This is the layer for the gutter materials in the Hip & Skillion Roofs Tools.
21_ROOF
This is the layer for the roofing materials (metal, tile & slate/shingles) in the Hip & Skillion Roofs Tools.
21_ROOF_SHEATHING
This is the layer for the sheathing materials (plyboard or OSB) in the Hip & Skillion Roofs Tools.
21_ROOF_WATERPROOF
This is the layer for the waterproofing materials in the Hip & Skillion Roofs Tools.
22_CEILING_INSULATION
This is the layer for the ceiling insulation materials in the Hip & Skillion Roofs Tools.
22_INSULATION
This is the layer for the insulation materials in the Wall Tool.
23_ELECTRICAL/APPLIANCES
This is the layer for all components (powerpoints/GPO’s, switches, lights, fans, TV’s, fridges, etc) in the Electrical category of the Component Tool. It is also the layer for electrical & appliance components from the BIMBits 3D Model Library.
24E_STAIRS
This is the layer for all stairs components in the Stair Tool.
24F_KITCHEN_CABINETRY
This is the layer for all components (kitchen & laundry) in the Cabinetry category of the Component Tool. It is also the layer for cabinetry components from the BIMBits 3D Model Library.
24G_FIX_OUT
This is the layer for the swinging door panels/leaf (not glass) in the Door Tool.
24G_FIX_OUT_A
This is the layer for the window & door fixout components (reveals & architraves) in the Window & Door Tools. This layer is for the presentation scenes after using the Scene Tool.
24G_FIX_OUT_B
This is the layer for the window & door fixout components (reveals & architraves) in the Window & Door Tools. This layer is for the floor & section plan scenes after using the Scene Tool.
25_DOOR_FURNITURE
This is the layer for the door furniture/hardware components (handles, hinges, etc) in the Door Tools.
26_CORNICE/CROWN_MOULDING
This tag is for trim between walls and ceiling
26_INTERNAL_FINISHES
This is the layer for the internal finishes materials (plasterboard, tiles, wall linings, etc) in the Wall & Wall Surface Tools. This layer is turned off by default until scenes have been created using the Scene Tool.
27_DOORS
This is the layer for the internal and external swinging door components in the Door Tool.
29A_GARAGE_DOORS
This is the layer for the garage door (roller & panel) components in the Door Tool.
29_FLOOR_FINISH
This is the layer for the sheathing materials (floorboards, carpet, etc) in the Floor Tool.
32_BALUSTRADE
This is the layer for components (posts, rails, wire, etc) in the Handrail Tool.
32_EXTERNAL_LANDSCAPING
This is the layer for all components (entry gates, pools, retaining walls, hedges, etc) in the Landscaping category of the Component Tool.
33_FURNITURE
This is the layer for all components (bed, chairs, tables, etc) in the Furniture category of the Component Tool. It is also the layer for furniture components from the BIMBits 3D Model Library.
40_WINDOW_TINTING
This is the layer for the aftermarket glass tinting materials (for windows & doors) in the Window & Door Tools.
Allowances
This is the layer for the Frame Hardware component in the Ancillaries category of the Component Tool.
Ancillaries
This is the layer for the Frame Hardware component in the Ancillaries category of the Component Tool.
APPLIANCE_GROUP
This is the tag for Kitchen & laundry appliances
Awnings
This is the layer for the awning components in the Awnings category of the Component Tool.
BALUSTRADE_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Handrail Tool.
BEAMS_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Beam Tool.
BLOCKING_GROUP
This is the tag used to isolate blocking (from Blocking Tool).
Blockwork
This is the layer for the masonry skins of the Wall Tool. This layer is used with the Section Tool.
Brickwork
This is the layer for the masonry skins of the Wall Tool. This layer is used with the Section Tool.
CEILING_JOIST_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Ceiling Joist Tool.
DEMO
This is the layer for all the contents tagged in the dialogs as ‘Demolition’.
Dimensions
This is the tag for Framing Panelization Tool
DOOR_GROUP
This is the tag used to isolate internal & external doors.
Electrical Symbols
This is the layer for all symbol components for electrical & appliance components in the Electrical category of the Component Tool. It is also the layer for electrical & appliance components from the BIMBits 3D Model Library.
Elevations
This is the layer for window and door opening/moving direction symbols (which can be changes in the Settings Tool) for the elevation plans.
External Walls
This is the tag used for Section Hatching Tool only.
Floor Plan
The plan of the NEW Stair Tool.
Floor Plan A
This is the layer for the door swing and garage door symbols.
Floor Plan B
This is the layer for all door openings. It is turned off by default but is used for the black & white floor plans scenes.
FLOOR_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Floor Tool.
FLOOR_JOIST_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Floor Joist Tool.
GARAGE_DOOR_GROUP
This tag is used to isolate garage doors.
Grids
This is the parent/top layer of the Grid Tool.
Hidden on Plan
This is the mitre symbol for the layers. This should be hidden
Hidden Wall Edges
This is the layer for the top & bottom edges/lines of the walls. It is turned off by default.
MEP Centerline
This tag is the center line of pipes, ducts, etc drawn with the MEP Tool.
MEP_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the MEP Tools.
Paper Size Guide
Turns Paper templates created with PlusDesignBuild 2d on/off
Plan
This is the text (eg Room name and m2/ft2) that is created with the Space Tool (Room Quantities).
PLUMBING_GROUP
This is the tag used to isolate plumbing items (i.e. toilets, etc).
POST_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Post/Column Tool.
Roof Plan
This is the layer for the 2D roof plans of the Hip & Skillion Roof Tools.
ROOF_FRAMING
This is the parent/top layer of the Rafter Tool.
ROOF_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Hip & Skillion Roof Tools.
ROOF_TRUSS_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Truss Tool.
Room/Area/Volume
This is the layer for the rooms area & volume of the Room Quantities Tool.
ROOM_QUANTITIES_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Room Quantities Tool.
Section - Animation Horizontal
Layers created for section planes (used in the Scene Tool)
Section - Animation Vertical
This is the layer for the section plane for the Animation Vertical scene.
Section - Basement FP
This is the layer for the section plane for the Basement FP scene.
Section - Electrical Basement
This is the layer for the section plane for the Electrical Basement scene.
Section – Electrical Plan 1
This is the layer for the section plane for the Electrical Plan 1 scene.
Section – Electrical Plan 2
This is the layer for the section plane for the Electrical Plan 2 scene.
Section – Floor Plan 1
This is the layer for the section plane for the Floor Plan 1 scene.
Section – Floor Plan 2
This is the layer for the section plane for the Floor Plan 2 scene.
Section – Section A
This is the layer for the section plane for the Section A scene.
Section – Section B
This is the layer for the section plane for the Section B scene.
Section – Section C
This is the layer for the section plane for the Section C scene.
Section – Section D
This is the layer for the section plane for the Section D scene.
SECTION_HATCHING
This is the parent/top layer of the Section Tool.
SLAB_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Slab & Footing Tools.
Solid Wall
This is the layer for the Solid Wall concrete skins of the Wall Tool. This layer is used with the Section Tool.
Stair Space
This is the layer for the head height and space of the Stair Tool. This helps with creating voids for stairs.
STAIR_GROUP
This is the parent/top layer of the Stair Tool.
Stud Frame
This is the layer for the frame skins of the Wall Tool. This layer is used with the Section Tool.
Symbols - Blocking
This tag is used for the symbols from the Blocking Tool.
Symbols - Brackets
This tag is used for the symbols from the Joist Hanger Tool.
Symbols - Headers
This tag is used for the symbols from headers.
Symbols - Spacing Direction
This tag is used for the Spacing direction symbol from the Floor & Ceiling Tools.
Tags
This is the parent/top layer of the Tag Tool.
Underwall
This tag is used for the face at base of external wall skin
Wall Linework
This tag is used for edges at the base of structure and cladding
WALL_GROUP_NON-STRUCTURAL
This tag is used for non structural walls
WALL_GROUP_STRUCTURAL(FL+RL)
This tag is used to isolate 'Structural Wall Ground floor'
WALL_GROUP_STRUCTURAL(RL)
This tag is used to isolate 'Structural Wall First floor
WINDOW_GROUP
This tag is used to isolate all windows.
Note: These tags are derived from SketchUp. (see image below for reference)
**If you have PlusSpec-related questions, please use our forum.
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