PCBNEW: Layers of work

Headings:

5 - The Working layers
5.1 - Layers of copper
5.1.1 - General information:
5.1.2 - Selection of the number of layers:
5.2 - Auxiliary technical layers
5.3 - Selection of the Active Layer:
5.3.1 - Selection using the upper toolbar:
5.3.2 - Selection Using the Pop-Up Window:
5.4 - Selection of the Layers for Vias:



5 - The Working layers

PCBNEW works on 28 different layers:

5.1 - Layers of copper

5.1.1 - General information:

They are the usual layers of work, used by the automatic router, on which tracks can be placed. Layer 1 is the copper (solder) layer. Layer 16 is the component layer. The other layers are the internal layers (L2 to L15).

5.1.2 - Selection of the number of layers:

To aid navigation between layers, it is necessary to select the number of working layers.
To do this from the menu bar select Preferences – General Options.

Then enter the required number of layers (1 to 16).


5.2 - Auxiliary technical layers

Some are associated in pairs, others not. When they appear as a pair this affects the behaviour of modules. The elements making up a module (pads, drawing and text) appearing on a layer (solder or component), appear on the other complementary layer when the module is inverted (mirrored).

The technical layers are:
These layers are for any use. They can be used for text such as instructions for assembly or wiring, or construction drawings, to be used to create a file for assembly or machining.


5.3 - Selection of the Active Layer:

The selection of the active working layer can be done in several ways:

5.3.1 - Selection using the upper toolbar:

This directly selects the working layer.

5.3.2 - Selection Using the Pop-Up Window:

The Pop-up window opens a menu window - which provides choice of the working layer.

5.4 - Selection of the Layers for Vias:

If the Add Tracks and Vias icon is selected on the right hand toolbar, the Pop-Up window provides the option to change the layer pair used for vias:

This selection opens a menu window - which provides choice of the layers used for vias.

When a via is placed the working (active) layer is automatically switched to the alternate layer of the layer pair used for the vias.

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