NX Layers



In Siemens NX, layers are a way of organizing and managing different elements of a model or assembly by grouping them based on function, geometry type, or other criteria. Similar to layers in other CAD software, layers in NX allow users to control the visibility, selection, and editing of specific groups of objects within a model.

Layers can exist in the following states:

  • Visible and Selectable
  • Visible but not Selectable (“locked”)
  • Invisible

Each object in NX—whether a curve, surface, solid, datum, or annotation—can be assigned to a specific layer. Layers do not affect the geometric relationships of the model, but they provide a means of organizing complex models by categorizing related features. By isolating elements on different layers, users can make specific parts of a model visible or hidden, making it easier to work with detailed or large assemblies.

NX allows for the creation and management of layers through the “Layer Settings” dialog, where users can control which layers are active (visible and selectable), hidden, or locked. This ensures that users can work on specific portions of a model without interference from other geometry. For example, construction geometry (such as reference curves or datums) can be placed on separate layers so they don’t clutter the working view when focusing on solid modeling.

The “Move to Layer” command in Siemens NX allows users to transfer selected objects from one layer to another. This command is used for organizing and managing geometry, annotations, or any other entities within a model, ensuring that elements are grouped logically according to the user’s layer organization plan.

The “Work Layer” in Siemens NX is the active layer where new objects, such as sketches, curves, surfaces, or solids, are created by default. When the Work Layer is set, any geometry or features you generate will automatically be placed on this layer unless specified otherwise.

Layer Standards and Company Variations

Layer standards in NX can vary significantly between companies, often depending on industry, project type, or internal best practices. These standards dictate which types of objects are assigned to specific layers and can include predefined layer numbers, color coding, and naming conventions. For example, one company might assign all construction geometry (datums, sketches) to layers 1-10, while solid geometry might go on layers 20-30. Another company may reserve specific layer ranges for certain departments or purposes.

Layer standards are often implemented to ensure consistency and ease of use across large projects or teams, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery. These standards can be enforced using templates, ensuring that every model follows the same layering rules. However, due to differing design processes, collaboration needs, and company preferences, there is no universal standard for layers in NX, which means that layer configurations can differ greatly between organizations.

Layer categories can be modified by using Format->Layer Settings