> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://armorsmith-designer.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Compose foam layers and set preview colors

> Add raised patterns to a base, set absolute layer heights, and edit placement without changing the cut layout.

> [!NOTE]
>
> These instructions are for **Armorsmith Designer 2.1.1.0**. Earlier versions, including 2.1.0.10, can show different panels and labels.

A foam stack has one base and one or more layers of raised patterns. Every member follows the base's form while keeping its own thickness, edge finish, and preview color.

## Create the stack

![Layer 1 expanded with Chest Trim group, two 6 mm orange members, a 12 mm gray base, and Height Above Base 0 mm.](https://mintcdn.com/armorsmith-designer/7y9yUVTZaoXwpVC7/images/foam-layer-stack-2110.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=7y9yUVTZaoXwpVC7\&q=85\&s=077ea7ccfd84ef4c5340a6705096c121)

*Height Above Base is measured from the outer base surface. The 6 mm trim sits directly on the 12 mm base at 0 mm height.*

1. Select a closed foam pattern and open **Edit Foam → Layers**.
2. Click **Use Selected Pattern As Base** if a stack has not been started.
3. Click **Add Layer** and select the new layer row as the destination.
4. Select smaller closed outlines in the viewport and click **Add Selected**, or use **Choose Patterns…** to pick them from a list.
5. Read the feedback and check the result in the 3D view.

Eligible drawing outlines become foam patterns when added. Open, locked, invalid, nested, or nonfitting patterns can be skipped. Make a rejected piece smaller or correct its outline, then try again.

The whole raised outline must fit inside the base, including segments near concave cutouts. A pattern that already owns a stack cannot be nested inside another stack.

## Set height above the base

Select a layer row and edit **Height Above Base**. It measures from the outer surface of the base foam to the underside of that layer. Use **0 mm** for a first layer glued directly to the base; do not add the base thickness again.

A new layer starts above the previous layer once. After creation, each layer's height is independent. **Move Up** and **Move Down** change the order in the list without changing height. Reordering is not a way to raise or lower a physical piece.

For example, two 2 mm details can occupy a first layer at 0 mm. A badge placed over them can occupy another layer at 2 mm. Check its footprint: the layer does not automatically find support in gaps or decide where glue should be applied.

Hiding a row changes visibility. It does not set a new physical height or automatically restack other pieces.

## Move a raised pattern

1. Select the raised pattern in the 3D view or its stack row.
2. Activate **Translate** for local X/Y movement across the base, or **Rotate** for local Z rotation.
3. Drag a handle and inspect its position on the formed surface.
4. Release to keep the move. Use **Escape** during a drag to cancel that unfinished move.

Selecting the base instead moves the whole owner and its layers. Double-click a pattern row to open its **Pattern** settings. Check the target name before editing.

The flat cutting layout is independent. Move or rotate a template in 2D to arrange paper without changing assembly placement. Outline or scale edits change the physical piece, so recheck containment afterward.

## Set preview colors and shared values

Use **Preview Color** for the selected pattern. When a layer row is selected, the layer color action applies to its current patterns and the default for later additions. A pattern can then receive its own override.

Select several patterns to edit shared thickness, color, or edge finish. Mixed values do not mean every piece has the same setting. Set a shared value only when you intend it to apply to the whole selection. Choose common edge units before entering a mixed selection's depth.

Preview colors help you read the assembly; they are not a physical foam-stock database. They do not change the cut outline.

## Remove a member or delete a layer

* **Remove From Layer** detaches the selected member while keeping its pattern in the workspace and preserving its cutting layout. Use this to keep working on the piece independently.
* **Delete Layer…** removes the layer and its patterns from the project. Detach any members you want to keep first.

Use **Edit → Undo** to reverse an unwanted change. Finish by checking the stack's [form and refreshed costume geometry](https://armorsmith-designer.mintlify.site/foam-preview/thickness-and-forming.md#attach-and-refresh-the-costume), then save.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.