Viewing Imported image view - while not on current layer

[hpwhitehead]

I import an image file into a reference design layer and scale it appropriately. I then change to the design layer that I want to work in (above the reference layer) and want to trace over the image, but when I have the layer view option set to "grey others", the image in the reference layer shows up as a grey box with a X in it. I can see the image if I change layer view option to "show others", but then I show all others, which I don't want to do.

Can someone give me a pointer?

I may eventually want to have multiple reference images that I want to trace over, showing only the image I want at a time.

I can manage the situation by setting layers to "show others" and hiding all not needed layers, and setting reference layer to lower opacity, but it seems like a workaround.

Thanks

[Guest]

Set only the two layers you want to view to be visible, turn all other layers invisible.

Use "Gray Others" to view the image and draw on the other layer.

[hpwhitehead]

When I gray others, the imprted image turns into a rectangle with an X in it. The only way to view the image is to have its layer active, or while other layers are active - to "show all".

I can work with it that way, if that is how it is supposed to work, but it seems that I should be able to grey that layer and still see it.

PS. I really like the software. I am learning to apply my work flow to it and adjust my workflow based on the software capabilities.

thanks

[Pat Stanford]

And if this is something that you will want to be able to go back to, create a Saved View. This will give you a simple way of resetting all of the layer and class visibilities when you need to.

Pat

[jbrhwy]

Katie

I wish it worked like you suggested, but it doesn't. I constantly have problems with accidently selecting the image when trying to trace over aerial photos.

[Pat Stanford]

If you have the photo on a separate layer and your Layer Options set to anything other than Show/Snap/Modify Others, they you will not be able to select the photo.

Pat

[hpwhitehead]

Pat

that is correct, but when I set the Layer Options to "grey others" the photo (which is on a separate layer, with visibility turned on) turns to a box with an X in it.

So the only way to trace over it is turn Layer Options to "show others".

Am I doing something wrong with my image import, or settings?

[Pat Stanford]

You are not doing anything wrong. Just one of the limitation of the Grey Others code.

Until VW12, text was displayed as just outline boxes.

Make a submission to the wish list.

Pat

[Benson Shaw]

Do you have to work with it while it is on the referenced layer? Copy it and Paste it into the design layer you are working in, and Lock the image. Then it will not move around or delete if you select it. Unlock and delete or move it to another location when the trace work is complete.

-B