[Magic-dev] Method of storing layer information in MAGIC files

[La supreme Poofias]

Hi,

I'm running in to a problem regarding the way layers are stored in .MAG 
files. The basic problem is that certain layers drawn over other layers 
cause the underlying layer information to be deleted.

For example, if I were to draw an n-diffusion to metal1 contact, the 
underlying information about the ndiff is deleted. That is to say, if I were 
to erase the contact, the ndiff which was underneath the contact is gone, as 
well. I thought I was making a mistake with erasing vs. deletion, but I 
looked at the actual MAG files, and the ndiff information was gone.

To me, this seems like an inherent flaw in the file format, and it's 
contrary with the concept of "layers." If I place a contact above a 
diffusion, it doesn't mean that the diffusion is gone, even though I can't 
see it anymore from the 2D overhead view. If I delete a top layer, I expect 
the bottom layers to remain intact.

I'm sure that there are quick hacks around this situation, such as using the 
stretch and move tools, but I run in to a lot of problems with those, as 
well (eg: one layer moves on top of another layer, and then the bottom layer 
information seems to disappear). However, is there a way to force MAGIC to 
retain true layer information?

Regards,

-K.S.