The Layers feature in TimelinePad makes it easy to organize and visualize events by grouping Events onto a Layer, or onto multiple Layers. Layers allow you to show or hide specific sets of events for better visualization, and maintain clarity in complex timelines.
Assigning Events to Layers
- Select one or more Events in the timeline, then tap the Layers button in the editing toolbar. A popover will appear where you can create a new Layer by tapping on the New Layer… button, or choose from the existing Layer(s).
- You can also assign individual Events to Layers using the context menu by a touch and hold on an Event, then tap on the Layers… option. A popover will appear where you can create a new Layer by tapping on the New Layer… button, or choose from the existing Layer(s).
- The list of Layers in the sidebar shows a useful count underneath each Layer name, showing the number of Events on each Layer.
Showing, Hiding, and Expanding Layers
When you create a timeline, it will come with a default Layer called All Events. This layer will always have all the Events that exist on the timeline. As you create your own Layers, you can use the Layers button in the sidebar to turn a combination of layers on or off.
- Tap the checkcircle next to the All Events Layer to hide all the Events on your timeline.
- Turn on individual Layers by tapping on their checkcircles.
- Tap on the name of a Layer to expand it and view the Events assigned to that layer.
- To only select Events on a particular Layer, touch and hold on the Layer name and tap on Select Events.
Layer Colors for Visualization
- When working in the Layers tab, TimelinePad will shade Events on the timeline based on their assigned layers for better visibility (this is only visible to the user and not seen by the audience when presenting).
- If an Event belongs to multiple Layers, the Event color will be a light gray.
Hiding Events with Multiple Layers
- Events are only fully hidden if all the Layers they belong to are hidden.
- If at least one assigned Layer remains active, the Events on that Layer stay visible with its corresponding shading.