How to switch the visibility setting of two layers in a single action in Illustrator?

Question

I am new to this forum and wanted to just say a quick hello before asking :)

How do I switch the visibility setting of two layers in Illustrator without having to either see both layers visible or none at all as the in-between step? Please see the attached images, hopefully clarifiying the issue.

Sorry if this is trivial, but it's been vexing me a lot!

Thanks

Viktor

Answer 1

Well I have posted a script that could be easily repurposed for this function:

#target illustrator
// Cycle between layervisibility A - B - None - around
// CC BY SA Janne Ojala 2014

layers = app.activeDocument.layers
layer_a = layers.getByName("A") // insert layer names here
layer_b = layers.getByName("B")

if (! layer_a.visible && ! layer_b.visible){
    layer_a.visible =  true;
    layer_b.visible =  false;
} else if ( layer_a.visible && ! layer_b.visible){
    layer_a.visible =  false;
    layer_b.visible =  true;
} else {
    layer_a.visible =  false;
    layer_b.visible =  false;
}

This in general is the benefit of writing scripts when you have a few making the next one becomes easier, and easier. So scripting is one of the easiest ways to increase your personal worth.

Answer 2

About 4 years past. But still if there are someone who want to learn that how to do it with Adobe's native way. They can find it:

https://forums.adobe.com/message/9855214#9855214

The following steps may sound pretty complicated, but as you asked for the basic principle you will have to bear the elaboration. In fact, it is a simple procedure and as soon as you have familiarized with it (including setting up custom template files), it is dead easy.

1. Open a new document and name Layer 1 "Cyan"

2. Add three main layers and name them "Magenta", "Yellow" and "Black"

3. On each layer draw a shape and colour it according to the Layer's name.

4. Save the file as "My_first_Variables.ai"

5. Target Layer "Cyan" (click the circle at the right hand of the Layer's name)

6. At the bottom of the Variables Palette click the Make Visibility Dynamic button

Now you've created your first Layers Visibility Variable. Continue with …

7. Target Layer "Magenta" and click the Make Visibility Dynamic button in the Variables Palette

8. Target Layer "Yellow" and click the Make Visibility Dynamic button in the Variables Palette

9. Target Layer "Black" and click the Make Visibility Dynamic button in the Variables Palette

Done. You have created four Layers Visibility Variables. The next step is to define the Data Sets:

1. Layers Palette: Show Layer "Cyan" and hide all other layers

2. Variables Palette: Click the Capture Data Set button (the camera icon)

3. Layers Palette: Show Layer "Magenta" and hide all other layers. Now in the Variables Palette the first Data Set becomes italic, indicating that you can create a new Data Set. So click the Capture Data Set button to define Data Set 2.

4. Layers Palette: Show Layer "Yellow" and hide all other layers

5. Variables Palette: Click the Capture Data Set button to create Data Set 3

6. Show Layer "Black" and hide all other layers. Click the Capture Data Set button to create Data Set 4

7. Show all layers and click the Capture Data Set button to create Data Set 5

Done. You have created five Data Sets. Just play arround by toggling them in the Variables Palette (Next/Previous Data Set button or via Popup menu/Flyout menu) and notice one feature among other things: The Variables Palette as a remote control of the Layers Palette. If you like, rename the Data Sets according to the Layers names, for instance.

By the way, showing the Next/Previous Data Set is actionable (that is, a shortcut can be assigned).