Understanding the Cosmetic Layer - MapInfo_Pro - 2023

Every Map window in MapInfo Pro has a Cosmetic Layer. Think of the Cosmetic Layer as the blank transparency that lies on top of the other map layers (transparencies). It can store map titles and other graphic objects you create during a work session. The Cosmetic Layer is always the top layer of the map. You cannot remove or reorder the Cosmetic Layer.

You can only make the Cosmetic Layer editable or selectable. Other layer options (labeling, zoom layering, display mode) are not available for the Cosmetic Layer. To select fill patterns, line types, symbols, and text font for the Cosmetic Layer, use the Line Style, RRegion Style, Symbol Style and Text Style commands on the SPATIAL tab, in the Create group, from the Style list.

The contents of the Cosmetic Layer are linked proportionally to the map. Map objects (except for symbols) and text in the Cosmetic Layer are proportionally linked to the zoom level of the map. If you draw objects in the Cosmetic Layer and then change the map's zoom from 30 to 100 miles, the size of the objects will appear smaller.

Using the Cosmetic Layer

The Cosmetic Layer is the topmost layer of a Map window. It contains labels, map titles and other graphic objects and can be used for drawing. It is always displayed. In the Layers window, you can make the Cosmetic Layer editable or selectable. This allows you to make changes to any labels or objects you have created in this layer.

To make the Cosmetic Layer editable or selectable:

1. On the HOME tab, in the Windows group, click Tool Windows, and click Explorer from the list, to open the Explorer window.
2. Click the Editable icon to make the layer editable.
3. Click the Selectable icon to activate it for the Cosmetic Layer.
   CAUTION:
   Objects created in the Cosmetic Layer are not saved when you close a Map window. You must save them to a table (either an existing table or a new one).

Removing Cosmetic Objects

To clear objects from the Cosmetic Layer:

• In the Explorer window, right-click on the map name and choose Clear Cosmetic Layer.
• On the MAP menu, in the Content group, click Cosmetic, and click Clear Cosmetic Layer from the list.

Removing All Objects from the Cosmetic Layer

To remove all objects from the cosmetic layer:

1. In the Explorer window, right-click on the map name and choose Clear Cosmetic Layer.
2. Click the Discard button. All objects are removed from the Cosmetic Layer.

Saving Cosmetic Objects

When you close a Map window, MapInfo Pro does not save the objects in the Cosmetic Layer automatically. To save objects drawn on the Cosmetic Layer, you must either save the table to a workspace or to a table. When you close a Map window without saving the Cosmetic objects first, MapInfo Pro prompts you with the Save Map Objects dialog box to encourage you to do so. You can turn this prompt off in Map Preferences dialog box.

To save the objects in the Cosmetic Layer to a workspace:

1. Click the Close button in the upper right hand corner of the Map window. The Save Map Objects dialog box displays.
2. Click Save to display the Save Workspace dialog box.
3. Type the name of the workspace in the File name field and click Save.

You can also save the contents of the Cosmetic Layer to a table.

Saving Objects on the Cosmetic Layer

You can save cosmetic objects to an existing table and to a new table.

To save cosmetic objects:

1. On the MAP tab, in the Content group, click Cosmetic, and click Save Cosmetic Objects from the list (or right-click on the Map window). The Save Cosmetic Objects dialog box displays.

   The drop-down list displays the available layers or allows you to create a new layer. MapInfo Pro displays a list of all open mappable tables, regardless of whether the table is part of the current Map window.

2. Do one of the following:
   • To save the objects to an existing table, choose the table to which you want to transfer the cosmetic objects from the list.
   • To save the objects to a new table, choose the New option in the dialog box. Select the path for the new table and enter the name in the Save Objects to Table dialog box. Click Save.
3. Click Save in the Save Cosmetic Objects dialog box.

MapInfo Pro either saves the cosmetic objects to the specified table or creates the new table and saves the cosmetic objects to it. New tables are saved as the top layer in the current Map window.

Disabling the Save Cosmetic Objects (Warning) Dialog Box

To disable the Save Cosmetic Objects (Warning) dialog box:

1. On the PRO tab, in the Options group, click Map Window to open the Map Preferences dialog box.
2. Clear the Cosmetic Objects check box.
3. Clear the Map Labels and Thematic Layers check boxes.
4. Click OK to confirm.