What is the purpose of the "dimensions layer"?

I have expected, that the dimension lines will be placed automatically in the dimensions layer (if defined, of course), but no, this is not the case.

So, what is the purpose of this layer type?

It is just a normal layer than any other. You set the layer properties, and when you must use it, change to that layer before using, LibreCAD does not understand the layer names, and so has been in every cad I have used.

I am not talking about the layer name. In the recent versions, there is a layer type "dimensions layer", this is an attribute of the layer, the same way as the construction layer. This type of layers are indicated in the layer tree with special icon.

Well, actually (as all other types of layers) "dimensional" layer is an ordinary layer.

However, additional child types of layers were added for the following pattern:

1) Major drawing is performed in normal layer. Extending further, single part on the drawing (if there are several parts) may be in own separate layer.

2) All dimensions for that part (s) are drawn in separate dimensional layer.

Such approach allows quick disabling dimensions (if needed) for specific parts of the drawing as well as dimensions of that part.  

Layer tree, different layers and their children are convenient for complex drawings, for example - if the user would like, say, to draw some device that includes several parts using single drawing (instead of having separate drawings for each part).

But you're right - this is rather an issue of filtering visibilities of entities.

So far LibreCAD does not support creation of automatic dimension, and the user would like to create dimensions - it's up to the user which layer to select for dimensions.

Potentially, indeed, it's possible to put all dimensions into some specific layer.

However, if there are several parts within the same drawing - it might be hard to determine target layer for dimensions.

However, re-thinking your question, I suppose it might be a good option - place dimensions automatically into dimension layer of currently active normal layer (if any). I'll take a look on this.

sand1024 wrote

However, re-thinking your question, I suppose it might be a good option - place dimensions automatically into dimension layer of currently active normal layer (if any). I'll take a look on this.

Yes, this is exactly what I meant.