If you work in AI< do you use layers?

[BonnieSimz]

I have never used layers. Maybe because I don't get how to use them correctly.
Do you have to make a new layer everytime you draw something new in your file?

A client wants me to hand in a file to them in AI with layers...am I going to have to sperate all the objects and paste them into a new layer?

Thanks everyone...

[retro]

whats the file? itll help if we knew what you were doin

[MD]

I personally don't use layers that often - but I don't really work on anything very complicated. If it is a spot color logo or something maybe make separate layers for diff. colors. If it is a complex illustration it can be hard to grab and tweak individual aspects of the drawing which is where layers can come in handy.

You know, there's like a butt-load of gangs on this forum. This one gang kept wanting me to join because I'm pretty good with a bo staff.

[Wonder Woman]

I use layers in Photoshop more than I use layers in Illustrator, but I do find them very useful in Illy. Most of the time I use them so I can lock objects easily so I don't pick them up by accident.

Or if I'm having to trace a logo - stick in on the bottom layer and lock it, draw on top. It means it's really easy to get rid of the old rubbishy jpg that someone has sent me after taking from the website asking if it can be printed onto the side of a van.

Usually I just use them if it's getting very complex, so I can separate sections out, or have a background layer - makes it easier to change them when you can hide all the stuff on top.

Searching for creative juices

[TBdesign]

I usually use layers. Depends on how comples the image is. If I was to do an indepth illy drawing of a person or something I would group things together to a layer, like legs, arms, face, hands, torso, etc. just depends on how complicated your drawing is.

if you can post what you have to make into layers it ould be easier.
If it is not a complex image, you shouldnt have to put it in a bunch of layers

... Have no fear of perfection - You will never reach it ...

[Nina]

when you're working with a die line layers come handy too, place the die line in a layer, and everything else in another layer, it's easier and locking the die line layer prevent you from moving it by accident


Nina

[D-Frag]

I also use layers for sending to press, here are my steps.

1.) copy everything on your artboard
2.) past onto new layer
3.) convert all type to paths, and outline all strokes.
4.) Hide your original layer
5.) save and send to print.

What this does, is in case of anything arising that I hadn't planned for, the printer can make changes to my text, alter my design...etc, without me having to send him another file. Case in point, you get the original file PLUS the print ready one.

http://img15.exs.cx/img15/7863/nufrag2nk6zq.jpg

digitalcamwhore (http://digitalcamwhore.deviantart.com/gallery/)

Thanks to vend3r (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/profile.aspx?f=35&m=97279&p=4762) for the sig

[PrintDriver]

If you are going to do what D-Frag suggests with your text, TELL YOUR PRINTER YOU DID IT. While I understand you want the file to be editable 'just in case', and we usually catch hidden stuff - usually... It can be a pain in the ass. And it makes your file that much bigger. Saving As a copy without the editable hidden text is, in my own humble opinion, better, because then I, the lazy-ass print tech, don't have to make the changes and send pdf reproofs and listen to the moans when I charge you for the re-rip AND the desktop time to make the changes and send the pdf reproofs...
There are instances where it is a good idea to do as he suggests. Like if you are anticipitating there will be a lot of PMS matching or image color work already being done by the print vendor.

As for outlining all strokes...depends on which version of Illy you are using to determine if this is really going to help the printer...

As for using layers, there are several different ways people use them and it all depends on file set up. I find them very useful for separating elements of a 'kind' or color, say, all the roads in a map on one layer and lakes in another... I also do all of my mural crop layouts on a separate layer sent to back. It really helps to be able to lock things as a layer than to use the Object>lock option. You can also unlock one item in a locked layer by tipping the layer arrow and selecting that one item instead of Object>Unlock All.

PD is a grande format digital print dude. His advice/opinions may not apply to the 4color/offset/web world of printing