Zerdly

CAD Layer Naming Checklist

Checks a pasted CAD layer list against the naming rules you declare, proposes renames and blocks the rename map while names collide.

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How to use this calculator

Project and review scope

A review of one drawing's layers against the naming standard you declare. The layer check below reads only the names you paste; property, purge and xref rows record what a person verified in the CAD software. No global CAD convention is applied.

Layer name check

Paste the layer list exported from your CAD software and declare the rules from your standard. Names are read exactly as pasted — spaces and case included — and nothing is changed in the drawing.

Read in this browser only — nothing is uploaded.
Your naming rules
Leave blank if names are not split into components.
Comma-separated. Blank = not checked.
Every character typed here is disallowed (a space counts).
Comma-separated.
Rename proposal (opt-in)
Overrides win over the options above — use them to resolve collisions.
No renames proposed.
  • Note: No layer names supplied yet. Paste the layer list to run the naming checks; the review rows work without it.

Review status: Not reviewed

Review progress 0 of 18 applicable rows verified (0%)

Outstanding critical findings

  • Naming standard and case sensitivity declared — Not started
  • Proposed names checked for collisions — Not started
  • ByLayer, plotting and xrefs reviewed with evidence — Not started

Review rows

Standard and rules

0/2 verified

  • Matches the project / client CAD standard

  • Naming standard and case sensitivity declared

    Critical

Layer names

0/6 verified

  • Consistent naming convention

    As defined by your declared standard — there is no universal pattern.

  • No stray default layers

    Layer 0 empty; no 'Layer1'.

  • Descriptive, not generic names

  • Survey control on its own layer

  • Empty components and duplicates checked

  • Proposed names checked for collisions

    Critical

Properties by layer

0/5 verified

  • Colour by layer (ByLayer)

  • Linetype by layer

  • Lineweight by layer

  • Plot styles set

  • ByLayer, plotting and xrefs reviewed with evidence

    Critical

Drawing housekeeping

0/5 verified

  • Text styles and heights consistent

  • Annotation scale set correctly

  • Unused layers purged

  • Title block and revision complete

  • External references bound or noted

Add your own row

Keep, share and print

Nothing leaves your browser. Saving on this device is optional and only happens when you press it.

How to use this calculator

  1. Record the client naming standard and version, then paste the drawing's layer list — one name per line or a CSV layer export with a chosen name column.
  2. Declare your rules: separator, component count, allowed discipline codes, required layers, reserved system layers, disallowed characters and case sensitivity.
  3. Review the findings and the opt-in rename proposal, resolve any collisions with overrides, download the rename map, and record the ByLayer, plotting, purge and xref checks with evidence.

How it works

Each name is checked only against the rules you declare — there is no built-in CAD convention. Empty components (doubled, leading or trailing separators), component counts, discipline codes, disallowed characters and duplicates under your case rule are reported per line; required layers that are missing are listed.

The rename proposal applies only the options you tick (case, spaces to separator, tidy separators) plus your manual overrides, and shows before and after. Two names that would end up the same under your case rule are a collision, and the rename map cannot be exported until every collision is resolved.

Nothing is changed in the drawing. Review progress is verified ÷ applicable rows; “Ready for reviewer” is your declaration, not certification against the client standard.

Worked example

A collision in the rename proposal. Rules: separator “-”, 2–4 components, disciplines C, S, V, a space disallowed. Layers: 0, C-ROAD-EDGE, C ROAD-EDGE, X-FENCE. “0” is a reserved system layer; X-FENCE is flagged because X is not an allowed discipline; C ROAD-EDGE contains a disallowed space, and its first component “C ROAD” is not an allowed code. With “Replace spaces with the separator” ticked it would become C-ROAD-EDGE — a collision with the existing layer — so the rename map stays blocked until an override such as C ROAD-EDGE => C-ROAD-EDGE-2 resolves it.

Frequently asked questions

What has actually been checked?

Only what a person marked Verified, with the evidence they recorded — the layer check reads only the names you pasted against the rules you declared. Everything else stays Not started, Action required or Unknown — the checklist never marks a row as checked on its own.

Can I use my own project requirements?

Yes. Declare your client's separator, codes, required layers and case rule; the tool applies nothing else. Add your own rows (they get stable IDs), and mark rows that do not apply as N/A with a reason — an N/A without a reason still counts as unresolved.

Does a complete checklist prove the work complies?

No. “Ready for reviewer” is your declaration that the applicable rows are verified and nothing critical is open. It does not inspect the drawing file; the client or CAD manager decides whether it meets their standard.

Is this official course material?

No. It is free study support mapped to surveying course levels — not official North Metropolitan TAFE content or advice. Always follow your lecturer and the official assessment brief, and check your own working.

Related tools

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Cite this tool

Zerdly. (2026). CAD Layer Naming Checklist. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/cad-layer-naming-checklist/

Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.

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