Is there a way to save layer states?

[Resodexo]

Hi! Is there a way to save layer states in Illustrator? For example, "Layer state 1" or "Scene 1" could be:

Layer 1 on

Layer 2 off

Layer 3 on

Layer 4 off

I could save this layer state and then restore it if I mess with the layers. This is a brutally simple example but when working for puppets for Character Animator layer states are a lot more complex. I sometimes need to show all layers to make massive changes in brushes/etc, and restoring every single layer to its previous state is a pain.

SketchUp has a super easy way to save layer states. They're called "views". There must be something similar in Illustrator, right? Or is there a plug-in I can buy that offers this?

[Kurt Gold]

Illustrator also has custom views (see View menu), but it only supports main layers.

If you have main layers and sub layers, you can use Layer Visibilty variables (see Variables palette).

[Resodexo]

Thank you. If you can please point me to any tutorial for the second option, that would be great. I've been searching for help on the variables panel on help.adobe.com and I only found this: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/using/data-driven-graphics-templates-variables.html

[Kurt Gold · Accepted solution]

Setting up layer visibility variables is pretty simple. For convenience you may create a new document with a simple layer structure, let's say 4 visible main layers with just one object on each layer.

1. In the Layers palette, click on the target circle of layer 1 (to the right of the layer name) to target layer 1.
2. In the Variables palette, click the Make visibility dynamic button to create the first variable.
3. Repeat step 2 for layer 2, 3 and 4. You should now have 4 variables.
4. In the Variables palette, click the Camera icon to capture the first layer state (called data set). This state will show all layers.
5. In the Layers palette, hide layer 1 and 3.
6. In the Variables palette, click the Camera icon to capture the second layer state.
7. In the Layers palette, show layer 1 and 3. Then hide layer 2 and 4.
8. In the Variables palette, click the Camera icon to capture the third layer state.

Now you've got 3 data sets (layer visibility states) which you can select in the Variables palette with the Data set dropdown menu or the Next/Previous buttons to the right of the menu.