Layers

Kivio allows complex diagrams to be split into multiple layers. The visibility of layers can be turned on and off. This functionality is useful if you have a basic diagram, for example a floorplan, and need to create several versions of it for different audiences. The information for each audience can be placed in a different layer. Each page of the document has its own set of layers.

The Layer Docker

To adjust the current page's layers select View->Docker->Layer Manager. The Layer Manager docker allows layers to be created, deleted and renamed. It can also be used to adjust layer visibility, drawing order and select the current layer.

Kivio has the concept of the currently active layer which is the one affected by any editing actions. By default a page contains only one layer which is the active layer.

Adding Layers

Using the layer docker you can add new layers by clicking the New Layer button, the first from the left. Layers can be deleted by clicking the second button, Remove Layer. Kivio numbers the layers consecutively, to rename a layer select it in the list and click Rename Layer.

Layer Settings

Layers are drawn in the order they are listed. The drawing occurs from the top down so objects in the layer at the bottom of the list are drawn on top of objects in all the other layers. The order of the list can be changed by selecting a layer and using the Move Layer Up and Move Layer Down buttons to change its position.

Each layer is listed with four small icons next to its name. From left to right they represent: Visibility - shown as a small eye. Clicking on the icon will toggle the layer's visibility.