FEDEVEL
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, 05-23-2026, 10:03 AM

🤖 In the meantime, here’s a response from the [FEDEVEL AI HW Assistant]().
It helps to find relevant resources for your question, but it may make mistakes as it’s still in early development.

This is the response from the AI Assistant:
Here are the main reasons designators may be invisible in PCB layout even with Top Overlay enabled:

1. **Silkscreen Layer Visibility**
While Top Overlay is enabled, check if the specific silkscreen sub-layers are visible. Some CAD systems separate component outlines and text into different sub-layers. In Altium, ensure both "Top Overlay" and "Designator" sub-categories are enabled in View Configuration (LS button).

2. **Masking/Filters Active**
Accidental masking can hide designators. In Altium:
- Press `Shift+C` to clear all filters
- Check the PCB panel's "Clear" button (source 5: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-luLIJqURlY&t=816))
- Verify no selection filters are active in Properties panel

3. **Designator Hiding During Layout**
Many engineers intentionally hide designators while routing to reduce visual clutter. To restore:
- In Altium: `Tools » Reset Designators » Show All`
- Check if designators were hidden using `isDesignator` filter (source 15: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOedGOC40OU&t=13))

4. **View Mode Restrictions**
If using single-layer view mode (`Shift+S`):
- First press shows active layer only
- Second press hides all other layers
- Press `Shift+S` repeatedly to cycle through view modes (source 2: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmD4EtEF2sQ&t=3382))

5. **Assembly Layer Confusion**
Some designs use separate mechanical layers for assembly drawings.

, 05-23-2026, 10:03 AM

Check if designators were placed on dedicated assembly layers instead of Top Overlay (source 12: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4MRdRyEdZM&t=1))

**Pro Tip:** During layout, consider hiding designators temporarily for clearer routing (source 16: [link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJrXYA_yDXo&t=102)), but always restore them before generating manufacturing outputs.

You can continue chatting with the AI Assistant here:
https://fedevel.com/hw-assistant