agentic-net-examples / working-with-layers

---
category: working-with-layers
display_name: Working With Layers
language: csharp
framework: net8.0
package: Aspose.Diagram
version: 26.9.0
examples: 30
pass_rate: 100.0
generated: 2026-09-24
parent: https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/blob/main/agents.md
---

# Working With Layers

> AI-generated, compiler-validated C# examples for the [Aspose.Diagram for .NET](https://products.aspose.com/diagram/net/) API — **Working With Layers** category.

## Statistics

| Metric | Value |
|--------|-------|
| Examples | 30 |
| Pass Rate | 100.0% |
| Aspose.Diagram Version | 26.9.0 |
| Target Framework | net8.0 |
| Last Updated | 2026-09-24 |

## Persona

You are a C# developer specializing in Visio diagram processing using Aspose.Diagram for .NET. You are working in the **Working With Layers** category.
Your task is to write clean, compilable C# console examples that demonstrate Aspose.Diagram API usage for working with layers operations.
You always use explicit types (never `var`), include all required `using` directives, and follow the patterns established in this category.

## Boundaries

### Always

- Use explicit types — `Diagram diagram = new Diagram(...)` not `var diagram = ...`
- Include `using Aspose.Diagram;` and `using Aspose.Diagram.Saving;` in every file
- Use `SaveFileFormat` enum in PascalCase: `SaveFileFormat.Vsdx`, `SaveFileFormat.Pdf`
- Use `BOOL.True` / `BOOL.False` for Aspose BOOL properties — never plain `true`/`false`
- Wrap entry point in `static void Main()` inside `class Program`
- Handle `FileNotFoundException` with try/catch when loading files

### Ask First

- Multi-file projects or solutions
- External dependencies beyond Aspose.Diagram and Aspose.Drawing
- Platform-specific code (Windows Forms, WPF, ASP.NET)

### Never

- Use `var` for any variable declaration
- Use `using (Diagram diagram = ...)` — Diagram does not implement IDisposable
- Use `SaveFileFormat.VSDX` or other ALL_CAPS enum values
- Use `System.Windows.Forms` — not available in net8.0 console project
- Use NUnit `Assert` — not available, use `Console.WriteLine` and manual checks
- Use PowerShell syntax inside C# files

## Required Namespaces

| Namespace | Files | Purpose |
|-----------|-------|---------|
| `Aspose.Diagram` | 30 | Core diagram API |
| `System` | 30 | Console, Math, DateTime, Exception |
| `System.IO` | 23 | File, Stream, Path, Directory operations |
| `Aspose.Diagram.Saving` | 13 | Save options (PDF, PNG, HTML, SVG, XPS) |
| `System.Collections.Generic` | 11 | List, Dictionary, HashSet |
| `System.Linq` | 3 | LINQ queries on collections |
| `System.Text.Json` | 1 | JSON serialization |
| `Aspose.Diagram.Printing` | 1 | Supporting utilities |

## Common Code Pattern

The dominant workflow in this category is: **Load → Modify → Save**

```csharp
using System;
using Aspose.Diagram;
using Aspose.Diagram.Saving;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // 1. Load or create diagram
        Diagram diagram = new Diagram("input.vsdx");

        // 2. Perform category-specific operations
        // ...

        // 3. Save result
        diagram.Save("output.vsdx", SaveFileFormat.Vsdx);
    }
}
```

## Examples

| File | Key APIs | Task |
|------|----------|------|
| [add-a-custom-tag-to-the-legal-layer-and-retrieve-it-during-runtime-for-compliance-checks.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/add-a-custom-tag-to-the-legal-layer-and-retrieve-it-during-runtime-for-compliance-checks.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Add a custom tag to the legal layer and retrieve it during runtime for compliance checks |
| [add-a-new-layer-named-annotations-to-an-existing-diagram-and-set-its-color-to-blue.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/add-a-new-layer-named-annotations-to-an-existing-diagram-and-set-its-color-to-blue.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Add a new layer named annotations to an existing diagram and set its color to blue |
| [apply-a-custom-metadata-property-to-the-security-layer-for-downstream-processing.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/apply-a-custom-metadata-property-to-the-security-layer-for-downstream-processing.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Apply a custom metadata property to the security layer for downstream processing |
| [apply-a-drop-shadow-effect-to-every-shape-within-the-ui-layer-using-layer-settings.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/apply-a-drop-shadow-effect-to-every-shape-within-the-ui-layer-using-layer-settings.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Apply a drop shadow effect to every shape within the ui layer using layer settings |
| [change-the-fill-color-of-all-shapes-in-the-marketing-layer-to-light-gray.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/change-the-fill-color-of-all-shapes-in-the-marketing-layer-to-light-gray.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Change the fill color of all shapes in the marketing layer to light gray |
| [clone-the-draft-layer-rename-the-clone-to-final-and-preserve-its-shape-properties.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/clone-the-draft-layer-rename-the-clone-to-final-and-preserve-its-shape-properties.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Clone the draft layer rename the clone to final and preserve its shape properties |
| [copy-all-shapes-from-the-design-layer-into-a-newly-created-layer-called-prototype.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/copy-all-shapes-from-the-design-layer-into-a-newly-created-layer-called-prototype.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Copy all shapes from the design layer into a newly created layer called prototype |
| [create-a-new-diagram-that-contains-only-the-shapes-from-the-export-layer-of-an-existing-file.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/create-a-new-diagram-that-contains-only-the-shapes-from-the-export-layer-of-an-existing-file.cs) | `Diagram`, `diagram`, `page` | Create a new diagram that contains only the shapes from the export layer of an existing file |
| [create-a-snapshot-image-of-the-diagram-with-only-the-presentation-layer-visible.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/create-a-snapshot-image-of-the-diagram-with-only-the-presentation-layer-visible.cs) | `Diagram`, `ImageSaveOptions`, `Pages` | Create a snapshot image of the diagram with only the presentation layer visible |
| [delete-the-layer-obsolete-and-permanently-remove-its-associated-shapes-from-the-diagram.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/delete-the-layer-obsolete-and-permanently-remove-its-associated-shapes-from-the-diagram.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Delete the layer obsolete and permanently remove its associated shapes from the diagram |
| [detect-and-remove-any-orphaned-shapes-that-are-not-assigned-to-any-layer.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/detect-and-remove-any-orphaned-shapes-that-are-not-assigned-to-any-layer.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Detect and remove any orphaned shapes that are not assigned to any layer |
| [export-a-diagram-showing-only-the-visible-layers-to-a-vdx-file-for-legacy-compatibility.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/export-a-diagram-showing-only-the-visible-layers-to-a-vdx-file-for-legacy-compatibility.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Export a diagram showing only the visible layers to a vdx file for legacy compatibility |
| [export-a-diagram-with-only-the-technical-layer-visible-to-an-svg-file-for-web-display.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/export-a-diagram-with-only-the-technical-layer-visible-to-an-svg-file-for-web-display.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `SVGSaveOptions` | Export a diagram with only the technical layer visible to an svg file for web display |
| [export-the-list-of-layers-and-their-associated-shape-counts-to-a-json-file.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/export-the-list-of-layers-and-their-associated-shape-counts-to-a-json-file.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Shapes` | Export the list of layers and their associated shape counts to a json file |
| [filter-shapes-by-layer-and-export-only-those-from-the-analysis-layer-to-a-csv-report.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/filter-shapes-by-layer-and-export-only-those-from-the-analysis-layer-to-a-csv-report.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Shapes` | Filter shapes by layer and export only those from the analysis layer to a csv report |
| [generate-a-summary-report-listing-each-layer-s-name-visibility-and-total-shape-count.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/generate-a-summary-report-listing-each-layer-s-name-visibility-and-total-shape-count.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Shapes` | Generate a summary report listing each layer s name visibility and total shape count |
| [iterate-over-layers-and-export-each-visible-layer-as-an-individual-pdf-document.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/iterate-over-layers-and-export-each-visible-layer-as-an-individual-pdf-document.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `PdfSaveOptions` | Iterate over layers and export each visible layer as an individual pdf document |
| [iterate-through-each-layer-and-count-the-number-of-connector-shapes-it-contains.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/iterate-through-each-layer-and-count-the-number-of-connector-shapes-it-contains.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Shapes` | Iterate through each layer and count the number of connector shapes it contains |
| [load-a-diagram-disable-the-grid-layer-and-save-the-result-as-a-vsdx-file.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/load-a-diagram-disable-the-grid-layer-and-save-the-result-as-a-vsdx-file.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Load a diagram disable the grid layer and save the result as a vsdx file |
| [load-a-diagram-lock-the-architecture-layer-to-prevent-edits-and-save-the-locked-state.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/load-a-diagram-lock-the-architecture-layer-to-prevent-edits-and-save-the-locked-state.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Load a diagram lock the architecture layer to prevent edits and save the locked state |
| [load-a-visio-diagram-and-list-all-layer-names-with-their-visibility-status.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/load-a-visio-diagram-and-list-all-layer-names-with-their-visibility-status.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `diagram` | Load a visio diagram and list all layer names with their visibility status |
| [load-multiple-visio-files-from-a-folder-merge-their-overview-layers-into-a-single-diagram.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/load-multiple-visio-files-from-a-folder-merge-their-overview-layers-into-a-single-diagram.cs) | `Diagram` | Load multiple visio files from a folder merge their overview layers into a single diagram |
| [merge-the-draft-and-review-layers-into-a-single-layer-while-preserving-shape-order.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/merge-the-draft-and-review-layers-into-a-single-layer-while-preserving-shape-order.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Merge the draft and review layers into a single layer while preserving shape order |
| [programmatically-reorder-layers-so-that-background-appears-beneath-all-other-layers-in-the-stack.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/programmatically-reorder-layers-so-that-background-appears-beneath-all-other-layers-in-the-stack.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Programmatically reorder layers so that background appears beneath all other layers in the stack |
| [rename-the-layer-background-to-base-and-update-all-shapes-referencing-the-old-name.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/rename-the-layer-background-to-base-and-update-all-shapes-referencing-the-old-name.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Rename the layer background to base and update all shapes referencing the old name |
| [set-the-line-weight-of-the-infrastructure-layer-to-2-points-for-all-its-shapes.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/set-the-line-weight-of-the-infrastructure-layer-to-2-points-for-all-its-shapes.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Set the line weight of the infrastructure layer to 2 points for all its shapes |
| [set-the-print-visibility-of-the-confidential-layer-to-false-before-generating-a-print-ready-pdf.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/set-the-print-visibility-of-the-confidential-layer-to-false-before-generating-a-print-ready-pdf.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `PdfSaveOptions` | Set the print visibility of the confidential layer to false before generating a print ready pdf |
| [set-the-transparency-of-the-watermark-layer-to-50-percent-for-all-its-shapes.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/set-the-transparency-of-the-watermark-layer-to-50-percent-for-all-its-shapes.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `Save` | Set the transparency of the watermark layer to 50 percent for all its shapes |
| [toggle-visibility-of-the-details-layer-to-hidden-before-exporting-the-diagram-to-pdf.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/toggle-visibility-of-the-details-layer-to-hidden-before-exporting-the-diagram-to-pdf.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `PdfSaveOptions` | Toggle visibility of the details layer to hidden before exporting the diagram to pdf |
| [validate-that-each-layer-in-a-diagram-has-a-unique-name-and-report-duplicates.cs](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-layers/validate-that-each-layer-in-a-diagram-has-a-unique-name-and-report-duplicates.cs) | `Diagram`, `Pages`, `diagram` | Validate that each layer in a diagram has a unique name and report duplicates |

## Command Reference

```bash
# Build the warmup project
cd compiler/CSharpRunner/_warmup
dotnet build

# Run a specific example (copy .cs content to Program.cs first)
dotnet run

# Build with verbose output
dotnet build --verbosity detailed
```

### .csproj Template

```xml
<Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk">
  <PropertyGroup>
    <TargetFramework>net8.0</TargetFramework>
    <Nullable>enable</Nullable>
    <ImplicitUsings>disable</ImplicitUsings>
    <NoWarn>MSB3277</NoWarn>
  </PropertyGroup>
  <ItemGroup>
    <Reference Include="Aspose.Diagram">
      <HintPath>..\..\libs\Aspose.Diagram.dll</HintPath>
    </Reference>
  </ItemGroup>
</Project>
```

## Testing Guide

### Build Verification

```bash
dotnet build  # Must exit with rc=0, zero compiler errors
```

### Run Verification

```bash
dotnet run    # rc=0 = pass, rc!=0 with unhandled exception = fail
```

### Expected Output Patterns

| Pattern | Meaning |
|---------|---------|
| `rc=0` | ✅ Pass — example compiled and ran successfully |
| `rc=1` compiler errors | ❌ Fail — CS error codes indicate API misuse |
| `rc!=0` runtime | ⚠️ Check — may be acceptable (missing input file) |
| TIMEOUT | ✅ Pass — Console.ReadLine() treated as successful completion |

### Common CS Error Codes

| Code | Meaning | Fix |
|------|---------|-----|
| CS1061 | Member does not exist | Check correct property/method name |
| CS0200 | Property is read-only | Access via .Value instead of assignment |
| CS0029 | Cannot convert type | Use correct enum type (BOOL not bool) |
| CS0117 | Name does not exist in type | Check enum member name casing |
| CS0234 | Namespace not found | Add correct using directive |

## Pipeline

| Attempt | Strategy | Trigger |
|---------|----------|---------|
| 1 | MCP direct retrieval + code assembly | Always |
| 2 | MCP retrieval with injected rules | Attempt 1 fails |
| 3 | LLM repair with compiler errors + rules | Attempt 2 fails |

Only examples that pass both `dotnet build` and `dotnet run` are committed.

## General Tips

- See [root agents.md](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/blob/main/agents.md) for repository-wide boundaries, anti-patterns, domain knowledge, and testing guidelines
- Always check `rules/rules.json` for the latest API correction rules
- SaveFileFormat enum must always be PascalCase: `Vsdx`, `Pdf`, `Png`, `Jpeg`, `Svg`, `Html` — never ALL_CAPS
- Diagram class does NOT implement IDisposable — never use `using (Diagram ...)`

## Key API Surface

- `Diagram`
- `ImageSaveOptions`
- `Pages`
- `PdfSaveOptions`
- `SVGSaveOptions`
- `Save`
- `Shapes`
- `diagram`
- `page`

## Real-World Use Cases

Common scenarios where **Aspose.Diagram for .NET** working with layers capabilities are applied in production applications:

- Managing diagram complexity by toggling layer visibility programmatically
- Separating diagram elements by department or process stage using layers
- Exporting specific layers to separate output files

## Developer Q&A

Frequently asked questions about **Working With Layers** in **Aspose.Diagram for .NET**:

**Q: How do I get started with Working With Layers in Aspose.Diagram for .NET?**

A: Add a reference to `Aspose.Diagram.dll` (v26.9.0), include `using Aspose.Diagram;` and `using Aspose.Diagram.Saving;`, then use `Diagram diagram = new Diagram("input.vsdx");` to load a file. All examples in this category target `net8.0`.

**Q: Why do I get CS1674 when using `using (Diagram diagram = ...)`?**

A: `Diagram` does not implement `IDisposable` in Aspose.Diagram for .NET. Remove the `using` statement and declare the variable normally: `Diagram diagram = new Diagram("input.vsdx");`

**Q: Why does my code fail with CS0117 on `SaveFileFormat.VSDX`?**

A: `SaveFileFormat` enum members use PascalCase in Aspose.Diagram for .NET. Use `SaveFileFormat.Vsdx` (not `VSDX`). The same applies to all formats: `SaveFileFormat.Pdf`, `SaveFileFormat.Png`, `SaveFileFormat.Svg`.

**Q: Why do I get CS0029 when assigning `true` to a BOOL property?**

A: Aspose.Diagram uses its own `BOOL` enumeration type, not C# `bool`. Use `BOOL.True` and `BOOL.False` instead of plain `true`/`false` for all Aspose.Diagram BOOL properties.

## Related Categories

- [Working With Pages](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-pages) — page management and navigation
- [Working With Shapes](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-shapes) — shape creation, modification, and styling
- [Working With Diagrams](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/tree/main/working-with-diagrams) — diagram-level operations and structure

## Category Statistics

- Total examples: 30
- Failed: 0
- Pass rate: 100.0%

## Failed Tasks

All tasks passed ✅

---

Updated: 2026-09-24 | Examples: 30 | Pass Rate: 100.0% | [↑ Root agents.md](https://github.com/aspose-diagram/agentic-net-examples/blob/main/agents.md) | [Aspose.Diagram for .NET](https://products.aspose.com/diagram/net/)