# Why rename Layers to Tags? **URL:** \ **Category:** SketchUp\ **Tags:** advice, tagging, components, tags\ **Created:** [February 21, 2021, 5:24pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289 "2021-02-21T17:24:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![RLGL](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/rlgl/32/44295_2.png) [@RLGL](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/RLGL)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2021, 5:18pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/23 "2021-02-23T17:18:03Z")
> [@Anssi](#): > > In practice only Photoshop works like this. Along with most other photo editing programs that also isolate changes to each layer. ---
**Author:** ![MikeWayzovski](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/mikewayzovski/32/98346_2.png) [@MikeWayzovski](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/MikeWayzovski)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2021, 5:19pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/24 "2021-02-23T17:19:24Z")
Well herein lies the original concept, layers where and are used to control the rendering behaviors. Be it objects or edges. If tags should be considered as labels, you might as well add rendering behaviors to other ‘organisational’ methods, too. Like in Outliner (there is only the eye for visibility) or Classification tags, which are now the only tags that behave like tags… ---
**Author:** ![Anssi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/anssi/32/105_2.png) [@Anssi](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/Anssi)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2021, 5:21pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/25 "2021-02-23T17:21:24Z")
> [@RLGL](#): > > Along with most other photo editing programs Of course. What I was trying to say that modelling in SU is nearer to using a CAD application than a photo editor or other graphic industry applications (DTP or illustration) ---
**Author:** ![PaulMcAlenan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/paulmcalenan/32/211206_2.png) [@PaulMcAlenan](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/PaulMcAlenan)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2021, 5:51pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/27 "2021-02-23T17:51:12Z")
As has been pointed out countless times (the way I see it) it was pretty much necessary to change the name of layers in SketchUp to _something else_ because of the new override ability in Layout… There’s nothing pseudo about it ---
**Author:** ![Anssi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/anssi/32/105_2.png) [@Anssi](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/Anssi)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2021, 5:56pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/28 "2021-02-23T17:56:24Z")
> [@trampy](#): > > The change of the name of the layers in Tag is one of the pseudo-novelties of Trimble which does nothing. Well, it did no good, it did no harm. No fluffy animals killed in the process. It was unnecessary, but I can live with it quite well. ---
**Author:** ![PaulMcAlenan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/paulmcalenan/32/211206_2.png) [@PaulMcAlenan](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/PaulMcAlenan)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2021, 10:20am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/31 "2021-02-24T10:20:55Z")
> [@trampy](#): > > If it was a real problem, why did Trimble take several years to do it ? Did you not read what I said? Have you not been following the release notes? The issue is not that this was a “problem” that has taken Trimble years to sort out, but, because of _ **a new feature in Layout** _ where there is already a Layers ability they needed to change the name of SketchUp Layers to Tags. ---
**Author:** ![AK\_SAM](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ak_sam/32/126155_2.png) [@AK\_SAM](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/AK_SAM)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2021, 12:39pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/32 "2021-02-24T12:39:04Z")
I skim-read this so not sure if it’s been mentioned… But yes…we have “Tags” but the interface/panel that’s used to assign them and apply styles (both in SU and LO) looks and behaves very much like the interface one would find in Photoshop, Autocad, etc. ie, it’s a list of names that have an order to them and some visibility and style overrides. AutoCAD has Layer **Filters,** which is more similar to SU’s Tags. “Tags” I would expect are something you might drag and drop onto a selection of JPGs or MP3s (lol) and assign multiple tags, like adding keywords/metadata. Surely it’s been considered whether SU objects coudl belong to multple Tags at the same time (i dont see why not)? then give Tags panel a filter? In my 17yrs sketchup experience (including as a tutor) I’ve witnessed a large majority of new users completely struggle to understand the realtionship between groups, components, layers/tags, styles and scenes (especially). It’s the part of the SU+LO ecosystem that that needs a lot of specific instruction , otherwise people can go years using Sketchup (dabbling, really) before fully understanding how to organise a model and get decent-looking drawings out of LO. Learning Tags/Scenes/Styles is probably the biggest plateau to reach in learning SU. ---
**Author:** ![angelo.zielinski](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/angelo.zielinski/32/182611_2.png) [@angelo.zielinski](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/angelo.zielinski)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2021, 4:18pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/34 "2021-02-24T16:18:04Z")
I agree with this. I also skim-read this thread. But “layers” in SU don’t make sense, for the same reason peoplle are complaingin about “tags.” There are inherent connotations of these words, as they are well established in the design/creative community. “Layers” imply a stacking heirarchy “tags” imply descriptive labeling, or Metadata My workflow utilizes Vectorworks and SketchUp equally, and Vectorworks has a much cleaner method for organization, called “classes.” This makes a whole lot more sense from a nomenclature sense. They use Layers like you would expect, to determine a stacking order in 2d space. For all other organization, you categorize by class, which format along Architectural Drafting Standards. ---
**Author:** ![angelo.zielinski](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/angelo.zielinski/32/182611_2.png) [@angelo.zielinski](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/angelo.zielinski)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2021, 4:20pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/35 "2021-02-24T16:20:16Z")
One other thing, in case it wasn’t mentioned, you can easily “multi-tag” things through nesting. I would recommend SU not use tagging like one might for photos or assets in the metadata sense. I think it would get far too messy ---
**Author:** ![stevehausz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e19b73/32.png) [@stevehausz](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/stevehausz)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 1:44am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/36 "2021-02-25T01:44:08Z")
Finally! Someone mentioned Vectorworks and classes. I’ve never used ACAD, but I’ve always heard that VW’s classes are the same as ACAD’s layers. VW has both layers, which represent the 3D spatial relationship of objects, and geometry on an upper layer can obscure geometry on a lower layer; and classes represent objects with similar characteristics, such as plumbing or electrical fixtures, so they can be turned on or off across all layers. So if ACAD’s layers actually act the same as VW classes, I can see why they were called that from the outset of SU. But I’ve never understood why the term layers was ever used in SU or ACAD for objects that don’t have a spatial stacking relationship. Bottom line though, I don’t really care if they’re called tags, or layers, or little green men from mars! ---
**Author:** ![endlessfix](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/endlessfix/32/148757_2.png) [@endlessfix](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/endlessfix)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 2:28am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/37 "2021-02-25T02:28:51Z")
> [@trampy](#): > > There is no new feature in Layout that justify the name changed. Layout had layers since the beginning. The change to layout was the new ability to control tag visibility in viewports directly from layout, which is fabulous. This meant that layout needed a new pallet to control this feature, and had the name stayed the same layout would have had two “layers” pallets controlling totally different things with different concepts of the same word. Since the term Layers in SketchUp had always added confusion for those coming from other, particularly 2D, programs a new word was chosen. I’m ambiguous about the choice, but I don’t loose any sleep over it. And, I love the control of tags in layout. Much of the resistance is simply discomfort with change. In 3 years nobody will have this discussion, tags will be tags. ---
**Author:** ![Anssi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/anssi/32/105_2.png) [@Anssi](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/Anssi)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 11:36am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/39 "2021-02-25T11:36:08Z")
> [@trampy](#): > > There is now questions in different forums, about were are the layers in SketchUp… It seems that it has taken some people over 2 years to notice the change. We are discussing changes that were introduced in version 2020. ---
**Author:** ![AK\_SAM](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/ak_sam/32/126155_2.png) [@AK\_SAM](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/AK_SAM)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 12:04pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/40 "2021-02-25T12:04:58Z")
I trust that Trimble developers are taking a really good look at how other software (VW, Archicad, etc…including InDesign/Illustrator) handle these things and picking the best fit for what we do (not easy). To be honest I dont really care about the change of name from Layers to Tags (Classes would have been a better name, perhaps). I also think a lot of software starts simple & easy, then starts adding features (SU has definitely done this) and then at some point people have to make a decision: do we keep with the status quo which may become “clunky”? … or do we streamline the interface around the new features and make everything flow much better? I think SU+LO has added some pretty good functionality around tag & edge styles, but it’s about time for a top-down interface refresh. ---
**Author:** ![Anssi](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/anssi/32/105_2.png) [@Anssi](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/Anssi)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 3:55pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/42 "2021-02-25T15:55:53Z")
> [@trampy](#): > > This question is asked by newbie users How would newbie users know about layers? It’s rather users jumping from antediluvian versions to current ones. ---
**Author:** ![monospaced](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/monospaced/32/53363_2.png) [@monospaced](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/monospaced)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 4:37pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/45 "2021-02-25T16:37:53Z")
> [@Anssi](#): > > How would newbie users know about layers? Perhaps from older tutorial videos. ---
**Author:** ![TheOnlyAaron](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/theonlyaaron/32/9436_2.png) [@TheOnlyAaron](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/TheOnlyAaron)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 4:53pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/46 "2021-02-25T16:53:18Z")
Any of you who know me know that I am a SketchUp enthusiast outside of work and if I step back and try to see SketchUp as a software I use, I still struggle with WHY some have such a hard time with Layers/Tags… Is it the NAME? I get a little confused because, what are now Tags never functioned like Layers (which is impossible in 3D space). Is it the fact that something has CHANGED? I know change can be scary, but it seems like, in the grand scheme, this is such a minor change, and, honestly, it has brought additions to visibility control that, as far as I can see, everyone is happy with (like folders). Is it the fact that some of our extensive list of training materials still refer to Layers? This is a big one and we are working on it, but it is really rough to change the contents of over 800 videos overnight… @trampy what is is about this name change that you think is causing issues from new and existing users? ---
**Author:** ![pbacot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/41988e/32.png) [@pbacot](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/pbacot)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 5:37pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/47 "2021-02-25T17:37:48Z")
I just saw a message from a new user who’s been working for a while and watching older videos. He still hasn’t found the Tags window for some reason (He’s in the Windows Version) and thought Layers was some other function he didn’t have but probably didn’t need… It will take a while before people watching old videos stop wondering about it. I know Trimble has made an effort to provide more fundamentals training. Some people decry the lack of a traditional manual, while others will not take the time to go through basic (short) videos and courses that are available. Also there’s the little “instructor” window that people probably turn off too soon (maybe that should be listed in the “Help” menu). I guess it’s best to keep moving the fundamentals forward as possible, for new users to find them. And I still wonder if it’s proper to “assign a Tag to an entity” or “assign an entity to Tag” 🤔 Maybe I’ll just “tag” things. Your work is very helpful in all this! ---
**Author:** ![john\_mcclenahan](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/john_mcclenahan/32/135377_2.png) [@john\_mcclenahan](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/john_mcclenahan)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 5:41pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/48 "2021-02-25T17:41:06Z")
> [@pbacot](#): > > I still wonder if it’s proper to “assign a Tag to an entity” This is (in my view) the correct form. Entities get tags assigned _to_ them. The tag is a property or attribute of the entity. Not “entities assigned to tags”. Not “entities ‘on’ tags”, either. ---
**Author:** ![9Design](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/9/dfb087/32.png) [@9Design](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/9Design)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2021, 11:24pm UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/50 "2021-02-25T23:24:31Z")
Personally, doesn’t bother me too much what they are called, just what they do and how best to use that feature, I do still think of them as Layers though, and probably always will. Sketchup has some quirky behavior if things intersect, irrespective of tags, it took me a while to get used to it coming from an AutoCAD/3DSMax background, but you soon get in the habit of creating groups. Now I love the program and it’s my goto modeler for most things… My only gripe is that the new tag nesting feature, that I love, doesn’t follow on in the Entity Info window… But that drop down list may not make it easy to display nested tags. Anyway, I suppose my preference is layers, but honestly, doesn’t really effect what I do with the program so!! ---
**Author:** ![MikeWayzovski](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/sketchup/user_avatar/forums.sketchup.com/mikewayzovski/32/98346_2.png) [@MikeWayzovski](https://forums.sketchup.com/u/MikeWayzovski)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2021, 9:44am UTC](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289/51 "2021-02-26T09:44:40Z")
Personally, I don’t care, either, I do try to correct when newbies say ‘edges **on** Tag’ but when you ask a warehouse employee what he is doing, he will not say “I am assigning labels to the products” 🍅 🍅 ### assign verb [T] (CHOOSE) C1 [[often passive]](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/help/codes.html) to give a [particular](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/particular) [job](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/job) or [piece](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/piece) of [work](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/work) to someone: [[+ two objects]](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/help/codes.html) UN [troops](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/troops) were assigned the [task](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/task) of [rebuilding](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/rebuild) the [hospital](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hospital). The [case](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/case) has been assigned to [our](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/our) most [senior](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/senior) [officer](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/officer). Maybe call them tasks instead of tags? If you ask me, entities get **labelled** or **tagged** , either by Presentation layers (t=Tags) or Classification labels 🍅 🍅 [Previous page](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289.md?page=1) [Next page](https://forums.sketchup.com/t/why-rename-layers-to-tags/154289.md?page=3)