Relationship between layers and drawing files

The use of layers doesn't mean that drawing files don't play a role when it comes to organizing your data. With large project in particular, a combination of both is essential. With the same structural depth, the number of drawing files required is far less when working with layers.

The number of drawing files you need not only depends on the size of the project, but also on your hardware. Modern, fast computers with a lot of memory can handle a lot more data per drawing file without this leading to a noticeable downturn in performance.

The interplay between layers and drawing files depends on the following factors:

• The size of the project and the number of designers involved at any one time.
  If several designers are working on one floor, create one drawing file per area of responsibility (e.g., East Wing, Central Unit, West Wing, for example.)
• Simultaneous involvement of specialist designers on the project.
  Separate drawing files should always be used for the specialist designs in order to facilitate concurrent activity.