> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://nobraintools.gitbook.io/maya-groomers-tool/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://nobraintools.gitbook.io/maya-groomers-tool/maya-tools/hair-strand-builders/creating-strand-layer.md).

# Creating Strand/Layer

The Strand Builders is a layer based tool, which means that each strand will be associated with a layer. A layer is a Maya Display layer, and it's not visible in the Channel Box.&#x20;

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/ZiSPzYKKGCdNf0AzigV0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

There are some conditions when you click on the Create button:

When there one curve selected, clicking on this button will create a new layer and a strand will be created.

{% hint style="info" %}
The original curve hidden away and is not deleted. You can find it hidden in the outliner.
{% endhint %}

<div><figure><img src="/files/tY150m1rerczX5n52p5i" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/CRfGWztmuzWfYVqdL9W9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

When multiple curve(s) are selected, you will be prompted to choose either create one layer for all curves or, a separate layer for each curve.

* Creating when there are multiple curves selected and choosing One Layer will put all the strands into one layer.

<figure><img src="/files/EIsrXYtgIvMCrN5vlLs0" alt=""><figcaption><p>Creating when there are multiple curves selected and choosing One Layer will put all the strands into one layer.</p></figcaption></figure>

* Creating when there are multiple curves selected and choosing Multiple Layers will put each strand into its own layer.

<figure><img src="/files/Gwdyldgd6oDashpYqVhS" alt=""><figcaption><p>Creating when there are multiple curves selected and choosing Multiple Layers will put each strand into its own layer.</p></figcaption></figure>

* When nothing is selected, clicking on this button will create an empty layer.

<figure><img src="/files/vLHBZnug0ehnCzJotIPV" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
All layers will be named with a prefix "xgt\_tube2\_group#" or "xgt\_card2\_group#", you can rename these layers by hover beside the layer name > Rename Layer
{% endhint %}

***

Whenever a layer is created, whether it's an empty layer or not, a Lambert material with the corresponding name will also be created. Please Do Not rename the shader, the shading engine, or the conditional nodes.

<figure><img src="/files/dqwWoIEEnwuFYHKZDbWd" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This is where we can assign our texture files to.
