references/type-layers.md

Layer Stack

Best for: OSI model, CSS cascade, context hierarchy, tech stack, abstraction layers, memory hierarchy.

Layout conventions

• Horizontal bands stacked vertically. Each layer is a full-width rectangle (same x, same width). 4–6 layers total.
• Layer height 56–72px, width typically 800–880px inside a 1000px viewBox.
• Each row contains (left→right):
  1. Index tag on the far left (L3, 07, APPLICATION) — Geist Mono 8–9px eyebrow.
  2. Layer name slightly right of center-left — Geist 14–16px 600.
  3. Sublabel / note on the far right — Geist Mono 9–10px muted.
• Border between layers: 1px hairline rgba(45,49,66,0.12). Outer silhouette 1px ink or muted.
• Fills: either alternating subtle shades (paper / paper-2) OR all paper with hairline dividers. Pick one and hold it.
• Direction indicator on the LEFT margin (outside the stack): small up/down arrow + Geist Mono label (abstraction ↑, packets ↓).
• Coral on one focal layer (stroke + subtle tint fill) — the bottleneck, the pay-rent layer, the one under discussion.

Anti-patterns

• Layers that aren't actually hierarchical (use swimlane or architecture).
• Skipped numbering (missing L4 between L3 and L5 without explanation).
• Every layer a different color — hierarchy invisible.
• Inconsistent layer heights without reason.

Examples

• assets/example-layers.html — minimal light
• assets/example-layers-dark.html — minimal dark
• assets/example-layers-full.html — full editorial