01
Choose the space
Start from model space or a supported paper-space layout that matches the sheet being reviewed.
CAD structure for focused reviewDWG
Show the part of the DWG that answers the question.
Move between model space and supported layouts, then reduce drawing noise by controlling layer visibility. The goal is not to redesign the file; it is to reveal the information needed for the review.
01Model space
02Paper-space layouts
03Layer visibility
04Per-document review state
Why it matters
Dense drawings hide answers behind valid information.
Architectural, structural, MEP, and annotation layers can occupy the same drawing. Seeing everything at once may be technically complete but operationally useless on a small screen.
PlanInspect lets the reviewer choose the relevant layout and temporarily control supported layer visibility while preserving that viewer state with the document.
Capabilities
Reduce noise without flattening the drawing
02
Toggle layers
Hide unrelated supported layers to expose the geometry, labels, or trade context needed now.
03
Keep review state
Return to the document with active layout and hidden-layer choices preserved in its workspace state.
DWG and PDF
Layer behavior is format-specific
CAD / DWG
Native DWG layers
Supported CAD layers are part of the parsed drawing and can be shown or hidden for review.
PDF / PLANS
PDF annotation layers
PDF review annotations can use their own layers, but PlanInspect does not currently expose optional-content-group layers embedded in the source PDF.
Workflow
A layer-first review sequence
- STEP / 01
Select the layout
Confirm that the visible sheet or model view matches the task.
- STEP / 02
Scan the layer list
Identify which supported layers contribute to the question and which add noise.
- STEP / 03
Isolate the useful view
Hide unrelated layers without altering the original DWG file.
- STEP / 04
Measure or annotate
Complete the review against the clearer drawing context.
Product views
Make dense CAD drawings readable in context
Verified boundaries
Visibility control is not CAD layer authoring
- PlanInspect does not create or edit native DWG layers.
- Layer availability depends on the DWG content successfully parsed.
- Source PDF OCG layers are not currently exposed.
FAQ / DWG layers & layouts
Common questions
Can I hide DWG layers on iPad?
Yes. Supported DWG layers can be shown or hidden during review.
Can I switch between model space and layouts?
Yes. Model space and supported layouts are available in the viewer.
Does hiding a layer change the original DWG?
No. Layer visibility is viewer state and does not rewrite the source drawing.
Can I control layers inside a PDF?
PlanInspect supports its own review annotation layers, but does not currently expose OCG layers embedded in a source PDF.
Practical guides
Clear the drawing without changing it.
Open a layered DWG and isolate the view your next decision needs.