Starting from Version 2025.1, the Layering by Areas feature allows you to adjust the layering order of garment pieces in specific intersecting areas for accurate and realistic simulations. This is useful when a single pattern needs to be both above and below another pattern in different parts.
What are 3D Layers?
3D Layers control how pattern pieces overlap in the 3D window.
The lower the layer number, the close the pattern simulates to the avatar. To learn more about 3D Layers, read the Understanding 3D Layers article.
Layering by Areas allows more precise control when patterns need to overlap in specific areas.
Step-by-Step Guide to Layering by Areas
Example Scenario:
You have two back patterns, Pattern A and Pattern B:
Pattern A fully overlaps Pattern B.
You want the top part of Pattern A to go below Pattern B.
Here’s how to adjust:
Open the Styling Tool
Go to the Styling Tool.
Find the Layering by Area section.
Create a New Group
Click New Group.
Choose either an the brush, ellipse or rectangle to define the area.
Note: The brush option is only available from Version 2025.1.3 and newer. Click here to download the latest build.
Selection Using Shape options (Ellipse or Rectangle)
In the 2D Window, click and drag to place the shape on the top part of Pattern A.
Adjust the shape as needed
Move the shape by dragging the edges of the shape.
Rotate the shape using the Gizmo.
For significant adjustments, delete and create a new shape.
Selection Using Brush option
The brush selection can only be done in 3D on a dressed garment.
With the brush option selected, click and hold your cursor while hovering over the area you want to select in 3D. This works similar to the brush tool at the top of the Styling tool.
Brushed areas will translate to closed shapes in the 2D window. Adjust the shape as needed
i. Move the shape by dragging the edges of the shape.
ii. Rotate the shape using the Gizmo.
For significant adjustments, delete and create a new shape.
Repeat for Pattern B
Place another shape on Pattern B in the corresponding area.
Adjust Layer Order
In the Context View, you can adjust the layer dragging the selections up or down. The higher it is, the higher the layer.
Drag Pattern A's selection below Pattern B's selection. This ensures the top part of Pattern A is below Pattern B.
Simulate the Garment
Dress the garment to view the results.
The top of Pattern A will now be below Pattern B, while the rest remains above.
Another Use Case
Layering Separate Areas: If you only want one side of a pattern to be layered differently, create separate selections.
For example, add a rectangle to each side of Pattern A’s shoulder.
Adjust layers so one side of the shoulder is below Pattern B while the other side is above.
Loop Hem Label: You can add a loop hem using Layering by Area.
Note
This works best for loose fitted garments. If you would like to add a loop label to a tight garment, you can use the Fold with Layer offset to do so.
Error Handling
If a group contains fewer than two areas, a warning icon will appear to indicate the issue.
When there are conflicting orders across groups, an error message will be displayed.