To create a new mechanical layer in Altium, right-click within the Layers region of the Layers & Colors tab in the PCB panel and select "Add Mechanical Layer."
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Open the PCB Panel: Ensure that you have a PCB document open in Altium Designer. Then, activate the PCB panel. You can usually do this by going to the "View" menu, then "Panels," and selecting "PCB." If the PCB panel is docked, you can typically find it along the bottom or sides of the Altium Designer interface.
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Navigate to Layers & Colors Tab: Within the PCB panel, locate the "Layers & Colors" tab. This tab controls the visibility and properties of all the layers in your PCB design.
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Right-Click in the Layers Region: In the "Layers & Colors" tab, find the list of layers. This is the "Layers region". Right-click anywhere within this list.
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Select "Add Mechanical Layer": A context menu will appear. Choose the option "Add Mechanical Layer" from this menu.
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Mechanical Layer Added: A new mechanical layer will be added to the layer stack and visible in the Layers & Colors tab. You can rename it by double-clicking on the default name (e.g., Mechanical1) and entering a more descriptive name (e.g., "Board Outline", "Component Placement").
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Configure the Layer (Optional): You can customize the properties of the new mechanical layer, such as its color and visibility, within the Layers & Colors tab. Use these layers for things like:
- Board Outline: Define the physical boundaries of your PCB.
- Component Placement Guides: Indicate where specific components should be placed.
- Mechanical Details: Include information like mounting holes, cutouts, and heat sink locations.
- Assembly Instructions: Add notes or diagrams to aid in the assembly process.
- Fabrication Details: Specific details for the manufacturer
