Layer tree cleanup

[GV_SVT]

I am learning more about how to use layers in Creo Parametric. One issue I have is the Layer Tree becoming unwieldy. Currently, I have an assembly model with a really long layer tree with a large amount of layers that have no contents. I'd like to delete these layers to shorten the tree and make it easier to read/use. I haven't found a way to automate this process. I was hoping that there would be a filter to show all the empty layers or a "find" function to select only empty layers for deleting.

Does anyone else have this issue? What are some workarounds or methods that might ease the approach to cleaning up the layer tree?

Thanks

[ByDesign]

How are you getting all these layers created?  Can it be as simple as turning off the source of creation so empty layers are not created in the first place?

One thing that might help in the future is commonizing layer names (make some naming standards).  Also, having layers automatically created for certain types of features (done in the config.pro).

[kdirth]

I would guess that your long assembly layer tree stems from not having standard layers defined for parts and assemblies.  Every unique layer name in all of the sub assemblies and parts will show up in the top level assembly tree.

We use a standard set of 13 layers, with rules, in all of our parts and deviation is frowned upon.  These are in our start parts and assemblies.

[StephenW · Accepted solution]

Assemblies show all the layers of all the parts. You can change the display to show only the assembly layers.

[Catalina]

Hi @GV_SVT,

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.
Please note that industry experts also review the replies and may eventually accept one of them as solution on your behalf.
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation.

Thanks,

Catalina

Community Moderator

[ByDesign]

Sorry, I did not get back to this because the community ran out of answers.  Yes, one option is to only see the assembly level layers, but that does not help if you must also interact with part level layers.  It also does not solve the issue  -  wanting to delete the empty layers.

I am now working on another project that brings in a lot of vendor models that have this same issue.  Is there an answer?

I love this community site for finding workarounds and for learning.  However, there should also be a way to indicate that NO, PTC did not think of that and there is no way to get there from here.  I have a feeling this is one of those issues that does not have a good answer - but maybe there is a way with "Model Check" (or whatever it may be called now).  It would be nice to know that (rather than assume it).  Oh well.

[StephenW]

@ByDesign 

If this is not your post, then there is no way of saying that you did not find an answer. If YOU made a post, you can reply to your post that there was no answer that fit your needs and then set that as the solution, if you so choose.

Your options other than that are really:

1. Open a tech support ticket and ask PTC to see if they can help directly.

2. Submit a product "idea" in this area https://community.ptc.com/t5/Creo-Parametric-Ideas/idb-p/creoparametric

3. Keep refining your question here on the community until you get something that will work for you, a work-around

[StevenDumon]

I have the same question, particularly the thing where you want to delete the unused layers instead of just hiding them.
You did ask for that too, but is not solved by the accepted solution, because the layers still exist.