0:03 Now that we’ve filtered out things that we know we don’t need, let’s now take some time to take it a step further by reducing the number of layers to the bare minimum required.

0:18 Go ahead and browse to your exercise files and find the DWG called ‘Layers’ and open it up.

0:30 If you’re following along at home, go ahead and copy and paste the linework into our floorplan drawing.

0:43 Here are the eight (8) layers that we need after reducing the entire plan to the smallest number of different objects that we’re working with.

0:51 As you can see from the list, they are: columns, doors, decks, furniture, glazing or windows, exterior walls, interior walls and window walls.

1:07 But for our plan here, I would like the ability to toggle layers on and off or isolate and group them…

1:14 so for now, let’s keep our reduced layer count with full knowledge that we can always reduce them further later in SketchUp if desired...

1:25 like we did when we imported the plan without optimizing in CAD in the previous course.

1:33 So with that said, we can use the match properties command (MA) to assign the new layers to our existing linework.

1:41 This might take some time to catch everything but just be patient.

1:46 Again, this step is for drawings that weren’t drafted well to begin with so if you’re just starting out with a clean drawing...

1:53 then you can avoid this by organizing your layers as simply as you can from the beginning.

2:06 The step is the same for each of the seven (7) other new layers I’ve created.

2:14 We won’t take the time to assign them all here as I’ve provided a cleaned-up CAD file for your use so don’t worry if we’ve we’re moving fast at this point ...

2:25 as I don’t expect you to take the time to make everything perfect right now.

2:30 Just be aware of these concepts we’re covering and you’ll be in good shape.