105. Construction Layer in LibreCAD

Layers in LibreCAD - Part 7
(LibreCAD v2.1.3 librecad.org/ )
This video is the 7th video in a series about using Layers in LibreCAD. This is part 7 of this series and of course I recommend watching all of the parts in order since they all build on each other.
Using Layers in LibreCAD is like creating a drawing on separate sheets of paper and then stacking those separate sheets on top of each other. This is crudely demonstrated in part 1 of this video series.
Once you understand how layers work, you'll find that you can use them in many, many different ways to help you develop your drawing. A few of the ways we can all use layers are demonstrated and discussed in subsequent parts of this video series.
If the viewer is brand new to LibreCAD, I suggest watching an earlier video I created which introduces the new user to LibreCAD and the basics of how to use it. Here's the link:
26. Get creative drawing with LibreCAD • 26. Simple DIY - Get c...
LibreCAD is a free, open source CAD application that can be run on Windows, Apple, and Linux computers (I am running the Windows version.). There is a lot of free support and program documentation that can be found online. There are also several RUclipsrs (like me!) that have produced videos about this program and often answer questions from users and viewers.
"Open source" computer programs refers to a group of programs where the "source code" (the part of the computer program that defines and controls how the program actually works) can be studied, modified, experimented with, and shared because its design (the "source code") is publicly accessible. In contrast, commercial software (computer programs where the user must pay $$ for a license allowing them to use the program), typically does not include (or make available to the public) the source code.
Because open source programs have the source code for the program available to the public (for free), the very large, global community of computer programmers have the opportunity to study how the program works and to make changes (hopefully improvements) if desired. This framework for how computer programs can be improved allows for global collaboration and can (but not always) produce a better result (a better program) as compared with programs that are developed only within the confines of a commercial company.
It should also be noted that some commercial software companies do release free versions of their otherwise paid for applications although the source code is NOT released. This allows for the use of the program without the ability to change how it works. As an example, I use SketchUP MAKE 2017 ( help.sketchup.... ) which is/was downloadable and usable for free.
LibreCAD is just one example of a successful open source program that I use; there are many others. As an example, I also use OpenOffice ( www.openoffice... ), a suite of programs similar to Microsoft Office. Blender ( www.blender.org/ ) is also another free and open source application that includes everything needed to draw and animate in 3D. (Some users have created their own animated movies using Blender!)
As always, I welcome your comments and questions. If you prefer, you can email me at : [e-mail] . Thanks for watching!
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Music:
"Aces High" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
creativecommons...
All video content was written, shot and edited by Matt Ancona. Music provided by the source listed above. The camera used was a Samsung Note 2 smartphone and the video editor used was PowerDirector (version 17). Screen recording was done using the Icecream Apps Screen Recorder ( icecreamapps.com/Screen-Recorder/ ).

[@ishtiaqjam2038]

nice & informative 👍

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@bjtsweightlossjourney]

Nice video but I still have questions about the construction layer setting. Like why is it needed versus just naming a regular layer construction layer and using that to make your temporary lines. What’s the benefit of having the infinitely long lines of the construction layer on every line you draw on the construction layer? I could see complicated construction layer drawings becoming unreadable after a small number of lines drawn on it.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Hi Brian. Great questions! I think the advantage of using the "Construction Layer" checkbox is being able to make the lines infinitely long and then, with one mouse click, switch them back to their original length. Infinitely long lines can make lining up separate items easier especially when moving or rotating an entire shape.
I agree that a layer that is cluttered with lots of infinitely long lines gets hard to work with is why I generally don't use them. I simply draw lines and lengthen or shorten them as need as I create the drawing.
But the option is always there if for some reason, having the long lines helps. Imagine using the infinite lines to line up shapes after zooming way out for example.
Hope this helps.
Thanks again for your questions and for watching.

[@bjtsweightlossjourney]

@@ImaginethenMake
I have gotten into the habit of making a normal layer named CONSTRUCTION LINES or similar and using that along with SNAP TO … and ortho lines to do that type of thing. Like you said, some people must find it useful or it is / was that way on another CAD that a programmer used or saw and decided to put it in LibreCAD. 👍👍👍

[@ImaginethenMake]

Totally agree with you. Thanks for the follow-up comment.