v0.6 — Applying the Overlay Layers

Last Updated: May 5, 2026

BASE COLORS & OVERLAYS

OVERVIEW

In this video, I start with the artboards and patterns and panels already organized, then I switch to splitting the overlay layers so cut and sew symbols are separated into their own layers. I copy the production panel layer into cut, paste with Command Shift Alt so it stays on the exact artboard, and then I drag specific size panels like Adult 3XL into their corresponding cut or sew layers. I turn off the production panel to confirm only the cut layer is visible, reflect the tricky back cut symbol, then apply the same process to sew lines by changing cut to sew. I then verify all symbols and layers are correct and lock the overlay layer, then save.

STEP-by-STep guide

1. Start from the organized production artboards 0:00

• Turn off the spacer before beginning the next phase.

• Confirm the patterns/panels are already organized on the artboard.

• Make sure the artboards are spaced and labeled correctly.

• Treat this production setup as the base for everything that follows.

2. Copy the production panels into the Cut layer 1:15

• Click the production panels layer to select everything.

• Copy the selected artwork.

• Scroll to the Cut layer.

• Paste using Command+Shift+V so the artwork lands in the exact same artboard position.

• This keeps the panels aligned instead of scattering them across the document.

3. Move the copied panels into the Cut layer structure 2:18

• The pasted artwork now represents the panel symbols for the cut version.

• Drag the relevant size panels into the Cut layer.

• Work through the size range from Adult 3XL down to Youth Extra Small.

• Keep the cut version separated from the production version so each layer can be managed independently.

4. Hide production panels so only the Cut version is visible 4:01

• Turn off the production panel visibility.

• This prevents the production version from masking changes made to the cut version.

• Verify that only the cut artwork is visible in the Cut layer.

• Repeat this for the front and back cut pieces as needed.

5. Fix symbol direction when a panel needs to face the opposite way 4:56

• Some symbols can be changed from either side, so check the symbol direction carefully.

• Open the symbol and inspect the arrow direction to confirm which side it is facing.

• If a panel needs to face the opposite direction, right-click the symbol and choose:

  • Transform

  • Reflect

  • Horizontal or Vertical as needed

• Use this when a piece like the back panel must face the left side instead of the right.

6. Move the Cut symbols into the Sew layer 5:41

• After the cut version is correct, drag those symbols into the Sew layer.

• Change the symbol instance from Cut to Sew.

• Because the symbol was already flipped correctly in the Cut step, you do not need to re-flip it again.

• Repeat for the back and other matching pieces.

7. Understand why the layers are separated 6:25

• The overlay is built in layers for a reason:

  • The base/production layer is the alignment template.

  • The middle layer can hide the bottom layer.

  • The top and middle layers determine what remains visible.

• This layered structure is what makes the final build work correctly.

• The production layer is not the final output; it is the reference for positioning.

8. Continue converting the remaining panels from Cut to Sew 7:30

• Turn off the Cut layer once it is no longer needed.

• Stay mostly inside the Layers panel while working.

• Continue panel by panel:

  • Collar

  • Front

  • Back

  • Sleeves and other matching pieces

• For each one, change the symbol from Cut to Sew.

• If a symbol needs to be reflected, do that before moving on.

9. Use QC checks to catch missed symbol changes 9:52

• If you forget to change a symbol or reflect it properly, the issue becomes obvious when the layer is turned back on.

• Misaligned or visually incorrect pieces will stand out during QC.

• This is why the process is repeated carefully and checked after each pass.

• Save the file once the cut layer is complete.

10. Apply the same process to all Sew lines and sizes 15:54

• Once all Cut versions are complete, repeat the process for the Sew lines.

• Select the cut panels from the artboard.

• Copy and paste them into the Sew layer using Command+Shift+V.

• Remove any duplicate size you already have if needed.

• Drag all cut panels into the Sew layer and change each symbol from Cut to Sew.

11. Work through the symbols efficiently and verify each one 17:10

• Symbols make the workflow faster because the artwork stays aligned.

• You only need to update the symbol type rather than rebuild the artwork.

• Move bottom-up through the panels and verify each one:

  • Back

  • Cut to Sew

  • Other matching pieces

• If multiple symbols are the same, you can update them together, but be careful not to change the wrong panel.

12. Rely on symbol alignment to avoid re-positioning 20:04

• Symbols are centered on a zero-based axis, so changing the symbol type does not disturb alignment.

• If you accidentally change the wrong instance, switching it back to the correct symbol restores it to the proper position.

• This is one of the main advantages of using symbols: the math and alignment stay consistent.

• Continue checking that every symbol says Sew.

13. Close, lock, and save the finished overlay layer 23:16

• Once all symbols are verified, close all expanded layers.

• Confirm the overlay layer is fully collapsed and clean.

• Lock the overlay layer to prevent accidental edits.

• Save the file.

• Version up the ID and finish the step.