--- title: "How to Use Composite Layers in FAB 3000" description: "Learn how Composite Layers and Composite Levels work in FAB 3000 to manage dark and clear Gerber geometry and simplify complex CAM editing." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Numerical Innovations Inc.", "url": "https://www.numericalinnovations.com", "logo": "https://numericalinnovations.com/logo.png", "description": "Leading solutions for CAM, DFM, and 3D Software. Discover FAB 3000, ACE 2D/3D Translator, EasyGerb, and Numerical Cloud for engineering-grade precision.", "sameAs": [], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "Customer Service", "email": "support@numericalinnovations.com" }, "hasOfferCatalog": { "@type": "OfferCatalog", "name": "CAD/CAM Software Products", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "Product", "name": "FAB 3000", "description": "The Ultimate CAM Tool for PCB Manufacturing with advanced DFM analysis, Gerber, ODB++ IPC-2581 support", "category": "CAM Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "ACE 2D/3D Translator", "description": "CAD Conversion Tool for DWG, DXF, STEP file conversion and translation", "category": "CAD Conversion Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "EasyGerb for AutoCAD", "description": "Instant Gerber Output from AutoCAD with seamless integration", "category": "AutoCAD Plugin" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "Numerical Cloud Subscription", "description": "Cloud-based software management with single activation code for unlimited computers", "category": "Software Management" } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "How to Use Composite Layers in FAB 3000", "description": "Learn how Composite Layers and Composite Levels work in FAB 3000 to manage dark and clear Gerber geometry and simplify complex CAM editing.", "datePublished": "2026-08-24", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Numerical Innovations Team" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Numerical Innovations", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.numericalinnovations.com/assets/numerical-innovations-logo-hd.png" } } } ] --- We use cookies and analytics to improve your experience. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. [Learn more](/privacy-policy) DeclineAccept [🔁 Lifetime Support user? Click here for downloads](/lifetime-support-downloads) [![Numerical Innovations](/assets/ni-logo-C3u5Pfq2.png)](/) - Products - Support - Download - [Online Viewer](/free-gerber-viewer) [About](/about-us)[Blog](/blog) Toggle theme [Order Now](/order-now) Toggle theme Toggle menu FAB 3000 # How to Use Composite Layers in FAB 3000 Numerical Innovations Team August 24, 2026 Composite Layers in FAB 3000 make it easier to work with overlapping dark and clear geometry without having to construct complicated polygons or shapes manually. They can be especially useful when working with Gerber or CAM data containing cutouts, openings, clearances, or nested geometry. ## How Composite Levels Work A layer containing one or more objects with a Composite Level greater than zero is considered a composite layer. Objects are drawn in order based on their Composite Level, starting at 0 and increasing up to 1000. Even levels (including 0) are filled dark — think Paint. Odd levels are drawn clear — think Scratch. ![FAB 3000 Composite Levels showing dark Paint and clear Scratch areas](/__l5e/assets-v1/8278c614-6b93-431e-9f01-2b76fae7e637/composite-levels-fab3000.png) Composite Levels determine the order in which objects are painted or cleared within a layer. ## Why Composite Levels Matter Instead of manually rebuilding complicated polygons, Composite Levels allow you to control which areas remain dark and which areas are cleared. This can make editing complex Gerber and CAM data faster and easier, especially when preparing manufacturing data. ## How to Change a Composite Level 1. Select the object(s). 2. Go to Edit > Properties, or use the Object Properties panel on the right side of the FAB 3000 editor. 3. Locate Composite Level and select the desired value. 4. Click OK or Apply. If needed, you can use Undo to reverse your changes. ## Automatically Assign Composite Levels For a group of overlapping objects, FAB 3000 can automatically determine Composite Levels based on their interior locations. Simply select the objects and go to: Edit > De-Embed Tip: For complex imported data, De-Embed can save time by automatically assigning Composite Levels based on object nesting. ## Need More Composite Layer Tools? Go to: Tools > Composite Wizard The Composite Wizard provides additional tools for working with composite layer data in FAB 3000. * * * ## Simplify Complex Gerber & CAM Editing Working with complex Gerber data? Try FAB 3000 free and see how Composite Layers and other CAM editing tools can simplify manufacturing preparation. 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