[Bf-committers] Named Layers feature

[David Bryant]

New named layers features list (to date):
1-Named scene layers are now accessible from the 3d window header under the 
new label "Layers". Note that when you go to the submenu "Scene Layers" all 
20 layers are labeled "layer 1, layer 2, layer 3" etc. When you actually 
name or label a particular layer the particular layer slot will change from 
"layer number." to the name you've assigned that particular layer. If you 
later erase the name in the UI, that particular slot in the 3d header UI 
will go back to being labeled "layer number. "   (This also applies to the 
Select All by Layer option in the 3d header UI). This particular feature 
replaces the old layer buttons in the 3D header and is also accessible in 
all modes (Pose Mode, Object Mode, and Edit Mode) which is presently 
impossible in 2.45 thus a new feature.
At first it was planned that only "occupied layer" would be accessed from 
the "Layers" menu in the 3d header but in order to facilitate a better and 
faster workflow it was decided that all 20 be accessed in this particular 
feature of the layer system.

2. Layers in the Scene Layers UI can be switched from layer to layer even in 
Edit Mode.

3. In the Scene Layers UI, you'll notice a little tan button on the right of 
each label entry.
This button toggles each individual layer if so desired into wireframe draw 
mode. This feature was coded for animators that need quicker playback when 
dealing with complex scenes.

4. In the Scene Layers UI as well as in the Bone Layers UI, you'll notice 
you can move objects and bones from layer to layer by selecting them using 
the numbered buttons labeled under the "Move Object to Layer #" or "Move 
Bones to Bone Layer #" UI.

5. In the Bone Layers UI, There's a "sign" or label indicating which Scene 
Layer you are presently working in. It's updated every time a different 
Scene Layer is accessed. Working with bone layers can be confusing when 
dealing with the Scene Layers and Bone Layers together because of the 
differences of how each layer system works. This simple feature was coded to 
"ease the pain a little" as it were.

6. The Draw UI that used to be in the constraint panel was moved to the 
Scene Layer UI to facilitate better workflow and access. It also lends to 
the Scene Layers UI  it's particular strengths.

7. You can access the Move to Layer, Switch Armature Layers, Move Bone to 
Layer, Show/Hide Bones, Show / Hide Objects, and  Select All by Layer, 
options in the new "Layers" menu in the 3D header as well as they were 
removed from their resident panels (again to facilitate a better workflow 
environment).

named_layers_update6 has been uploaded into the patch tracker and a update 6 
build can be downloaded at graphicall.org.

David Bryant "Digikiller"