What is the Defpoints layer in AutoCAD? Here is the answer

You must have noticed Defpoints layer in AutoCAD which is automatically created.

Have you wondered why this layer is created automatically and what is the use of this layer?

Keep reading this article to get the answers.

What is Defpoints layer?

This layer is usually created automatically when a dimension is added to your AutoCAD drawing.

This layer stores information about definition points of dimensions. 

Objects on this layer are visible in drawing area but these objects will not appear when you plot your drawing.

Essentially plotting is turned off for Defpoints layer.

Definition points are reference points for dimensions that connect them to the geometry being dimensioned.

These are same points which appear at grip location when a dimension is added to an object as shown in the image above.

A Defpoint layer cannot be deleted and if you try to delete it then an error message will appear as shown in figure down below. 

Although LAYDEL command can be used to delete this layer I won’t recommend it as it may create errors in your drawing.

Should I place objects on Defpoints layer?

Drafters generally use this property of Defpoints layer (no plot property) to place objects on this layer which they don’t want to plot for example viewports and construction geometries.