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Bitu , 05-11-2025, 05:20 PM

I want to convert a component layer pair to mechanical layers in Altium. As shown in the image, how can I move it to mechanical layers 13, 14, 15, and 16 without deleting anything?

QDrives , 05-11-2025, 10:52 PM

In the properties panel of the selected objects, you can set the layer.
Make sure you only select elements on a single layer.

Robert Feranec , 05-14-2025, 04:12 AM

Why would you like to do that?

Bitu , 05-14-2025, 04:31 PM

I prefer to keep all mechanical layers separate, as that's how I usually organize them for better clarity and practice. Although this project was initially set up by a friend, I’d like to restructure it according to my own workflow and learning approach. Is there any way we can do this? @Robert Feranec

QDrives , 05-14-2025, 07:33 PM

The layer pairs you have are:
- Copper (Top and bottom)
- Solder (mask)
- Paste (mask)
- Overlay
- 3D
- Assembly
- Courtyard
All these **should** be layer **pairs**. So no, it is not "...*for better ... practice*..."
I do not know what your "component bodies" layers are doing.

The board outline is a 'single' layer, not a pair.
If you have LPKF *Top* and *Bottom* I could imagine it needs to be layer **pair** too, but layer pairs are only needed if the data is in the footprints.

Robert Feranec , 05-15-2025, 06:22 AM

The reason why pairs exists is because for example in footprint library you specify everything for the situation when component is placed on the TOP side of your PCB and Layer pairs make it possible to show everything correctly when you place the component in your PCB on the BOTTOM side of the PCB. Without layer pairs, this would not be possible.

Bitu , 05-22-2025, 05:00 PM

@Robert Feranec
Actually, in the image, Mechanical 3 and 4 are used for 3D STEP models, 15 and 16 are used for Courtyard, and 5 and 6 are used for Assembly.
But in my organization, we follow different layer usage guidelines:

Mechanical 3 – Component Polarity

Mechanical 4 – PCB Reference (used for Gerber paste check)

Mechanical 15 & 16 – 3D STEP models

Mechanical 5 – Company Logo


So, I want to separate all layers according to our internal standards.
How can I convert the component's existing layer pair definitions to specific mechanical layers in Altium without deleting or losing any information?

QDrives , 05-22-2025, 08:25 PM

1) Start by making sure it is correct in your libraries.
2) Have the standard layer pairs set up in the libraries
3) Before importing the components to the board, have the layer pairs set up there too.
Any 'mismatch' between layer pairs in library and board will place the data on the board defined layers.
However, this only works **if** you use the standard layer pair types of Altium.

If all you libraries are correct, there is no need to do the setup of the board.

QDrives , 05-22-2025, 08:26 PM

Old Altium standard was mech 15 for courtyard and mech 13 for 3D