QCAD.org Forum

operating system 15.6.1 (24G90)
QCad/cam Version: 3.32.5.0 (3.32.5)
build dec 18 2025

this is a paid version.

I am having the following issues with layers

1. I can create as may layers as I want until I start drawing
2. once I start editing my drawing it seems to lock my layers and I can no longer edit the name, properties or color of the layer.
3. I can no longer add layers once I start editing.

troubleshooting
1. restarted Mac
2. checked to make sure old version of qcad removed.
3. saved and renamed drawing
4. created a new drawing

this started when I imported a trace dxf that I wanted to clean up and then cut. it imported the trace, I changed the units from MM to Inches, and crated a couple of layers ( 0, dimension, and ruler) but it wouldn't let me add anymore. I then created a whole new file and started from scratch. I added about 6 layers (red, blue, green, yellow etc). I pasted the drawing, it imported the ruler, dimension, and 0 layer.

I started to edit and create an overlay of a cleaned up version on layer (Red). all good so far. I then started selecting items, segments etc and moving them to layer yellow as I had already drawn them. I tried editing the layer name, no luck.

I can not add, change etc any layer properties now.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am new to qCad, but have some experience with other cad programs. I am using quad as it has the built in post processor I need for my CAM function for my plasma cutter

Hi,

It would be interesting if you can share an example drawing to recreate your problems.
See topic: How to Attach a File to a Post

But already a problem with a new empty drawing looks more like a system or a Mac only problem.

There is always a current active layer ... What happens when you use the keyboard shortcut sequence YE?
In normal conditions that would display the Layer dialog with the attributes that you can edit.

It is known that resetting your configuration may solve weird problems, see tutorial: Resetting the QCAD Configuration.
You will lose all customizations that you made to QCAD preferences and the GUI layout.
This will not affect additional installed files like Post-processors.

Also note that this config file is not affected by re-installing, by removing QCAD and perhaps only a little with a newer release.
Instead of deleting the config file you could also rename it.

If to no avail, then attempt a re-installation with removing the config file first.

Regards,
CVH

CVH wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 07, 2026 5:32 am

But already a problem with a new empty drawing looks more like a system or a Mac only problem.

I think I can re-create the issue every time, but not how to fix it. it has to do with my post processor installations. When I select the Arcdroid CNC Plasma processor - I can no longer add layers, if I switch back to any other processor [G-code (G41/G42)] for example I can add layers again. if I switch back to the arcdroid, it locks me out again.

Hi,

Having no experience with a so called 'CNC layer dialog' ...
But I think that I have narrowed it down.

ArcDroidMM.js, and based on that ArcDroidIN.js, executes some code intended for a LayerDialog object.
The only other reference is the Beamo.js post processor.

CamExporterV2 installs that if the UI file exists and the path is: "postprocessors/" + className + "LayerDialog.ui"

The Arcdroid post processors should thus be accompanied by a dedicated UI

We might assume that one will do because the imperial post processor is based on the metric processor.
But I think that the className plays the prominent role.
Then it are two UI files: postprocessors/ArcDroidMMLayerDialog.ui and postprocessors/ArcDroidINLayerDialog.ui

You can attempt to copy the Beamo UI and rename it ...

The Beamo.js post processor includes the standard layer functionality with an 'include' at the top.
Probably not required when running QCAD/CAM what is essentially QCAD Pro but it doesn't hurt to be certain. Regards,
CVH