### Layer Types

Cavalry’s building blocks are split into 4 categories:

#### Shapes

Shapes are polygonal objects that can be drawn in the viewport. Every Shape has a transform and so can be animated. A Shape can also be affected by a Behaviour.

#### Behaviours

Behaviours can be used to animate values or deform Shapes.

#### Utilities

Utilities are building blocks providing fundamental functionality that can be used to create custom recipes.

#### Effects

Effects include Shaders and image based Filters.

### Creating a Layer

Adding Layers in Cavalry.

There are several ways to create Layers:

- Open the [Add Layers Window](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/window-menu/add-layers-window/index.html) and double click a **Layer** or drag one into the [Viewport](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/window-menu/viewport/index.html), [Attribute Editor](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/window-menu/attribute-editor/index.html) or [Scene Window](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/window-menu/scene-window/index.html).
- Use the `+` button at the top of the [Scene Window](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/window-menu/scene-window/index.html).
- Use the [Create](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/create-menu/index.html) menu.
- Use one of the shortcuts in the [Shelf](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/window-menu/shelf/index.html).
- Via the [Toolbar](/content/docs/user-interface/menus/window-menu/toolbar/index.html).

**Tip**: A quick way to open the **Add Layers** window is to press `Cmd/Ctrl` + `.`.