Why use template layer

Question

When it comes to tracing an image manually, what's the use of using a 'template layer'. I'm used to just using a normal layer, placing the image, locking the layer and setting it to a 50% dim. Placing an image on a template layer basically does the exact same thing, so what's the point, besides not having to click 'lock' and '50% dim' on the layer? Now if a 'template layer' would always shine trough anything drawn on normal layers above it (like the top layers would have 80% transparency so that I can see more of what I'm tracing), it would be useful. But now it only saves me two boxes to click (lock / 50% dim) on a normal layer. Hardly a time saver.

Answer 1

"A template layer is always non-printing"
I know, but what's the point of keeping a non-printing layer. If it only builds up file size? When I'm done with a 'normal' layer, having traced it, I delete it anyway.
It's indeed a useless feature. Starting off locked. The dim feature could indeed also use some improvement, dimming only bitmap images.
I could (and do) use a normal layer, placing the trace image (bitmap) on it, locking and dimming it and trace upon it on a top normal layer. I guess I also could use a (again) normal layer, place bitmap/vector art on it, set it's transparancy to about 75% and lock it. Then trace it by adding a normal layer below it so the locked semi-transparent layer above it would keep shining through. Or something like that.
The best thing would be if a 'template layer' would mean a 75% reverse transparent layer. By reverse I mean that it shines through any layers above it instead that it covers layers below it like normal semi transparent layers. And thus also being able to place vector and bitmap images in such a layer which keeps shining through top layers. That's how I would see 'templates'. I hope adobe will pick up on that.