CAD Layer Standards

Every layer.
Instantly decoded.

Translate CAD layer naming conventions between NCS, IEC 81346, and NEC standards. Search by layer code or plain English — get the full definition, discipline breakdown, and code structure in seconds.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

iOS & Android  ·  Free with Pro upgrade  ·  No account required

500+ Built-in Layers
NCS · IEC · NEC Standards Covered
Offline No Account or Network
Custom Definitions & Packs
Search

Find any layer code in seconds

Type a layer code like V-PROP-CL or plain English like "centerline" — CAD Translator returns a scored, ranked list of matching definitions instantly.

  • Full-text search across all 500+ built-in layers
  • Discipline filter chips: A, C, E, G, H, I, L, M, P, Q, S, T, V, W
  • Standard filter: NCS, IEC, NEC, or Custom only
  • Exact-match results always surfaced first
  • Searches plain-English layman terms, not just codes
⌕ V-ANOD-IDEN
All A C E V NCS IEC NEC
V-ANOD-IDEN
Annotation — Node Identification
Identifies annotation nodes within the survey/civil discipline. Used to mark specific node points with labeling for property identification.
Discipline V
Major Group ANOD
Minor Group IDEN
Standard NCS
V-NODE-TEXT
Node Text Labels
E-POWR-3PHS
Three-Phase Power Circuit
NCS
Electrical layer for three-phase power distribution circuits. Used on construction documents to show 3-phase wiring paths, panel connections, and distribution equipment. Commonly paired with E-POWR-SWTC for switching gear.
Code Breakdown
Discipline E — Electrical
Major Group POWR
Minor Group 3PHS
Status —
Plain-English Term
Three-phase power wiring
Layer Detail

Full context, not just the code

Every layer entry includes the plain-English layman term, a long description, full code breakdown by discipline / major group / minor group / status, and the applicable standard.

  • Plain-English term for every layer code
  • Long-form description of the layer's purpose
  • Visual code breakdown: discipline, major, minor, status
  • NCS code structure explained inline
  • Copy layer code to clipboard in one tap
Custom Definitions & Packs

Share custom codes with your team

Create your own layer definitions, override any built-in NCS layer, and bundle everything into named packs. Share packs with colleagues via the iOS share sheet or export/import for any workflow.

  • Add standalone custom layer codes
  • Override any built-in NCS layer — shows "CUSTOM" badge
  • Organize definitions into named, versioned packs
  • Include author info and version notes per pack
  • Share via iOS share sheet, AirDrop, or file export
  • Import colleague packs in one tap
Acme Engineering Pack v2.1
2 Custom
E-SOLAR-BESS
CUSTOM
Battery Energy Storage System
Custom override — Acme standard for BESS layers on solar+storage projects
Discipline E
Pack Acme v2.1
E-PV-ROOF
CUSTOM
Rooftop PV Array
More Features

Everything a CAD professional needs

⌗

Code Breakdown

Every NCS code dissected into Discipline, Major Group, Minor Group, and Status — so you understand the structure, not just the meaning.

⚡

Energy Discipline Layers

Purpose-built layers for BESS, solar/PV, wind, and generator projects — covering the growing energy design sector that NCS alone doesn't fully address.

=G

IEC 81346 Equipment Designations

Reference designations for electrical equipment: =G generators, =M motors, =T transformers, =U drives. Essential for international projects.

⬡

NEC Panel Naming

Panel and circuit naming conventions per NEC Articles 690 (PV), 706 (BESS), 712 (DC Microgrids), 700 (Emergency), and 701 (Standby) — all in one place.

Get the app

Stop guessing layer codes.

CAD Translator works offline, requires no account, and ships with 500+ built-in layers across NCS, IEC, and NEC standards. Free to download.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play