# Quick Start Guide

## Installation

```bash
pip install -r requirements.txt
```

## Basic Usage

### Extract layers from PDF
```bash
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf
```

That's it! Layers will be saved to `output/` directory.

## Common Adjustments

### Problem: Colors bleeding between layers
```bash
# INCREASE tolerance (counter-intuitive but correct!)
# Antialiasing creates intermediate colors that need higher tolerance
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf -t 45
```

### Problem: Layers mixing too much
```bash
# Decrease tolerance (stricter color matching)
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf -t 20
```

### Problem: Missing fine details
```bash
# Increase tolerance + higher DPI
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf -t 40 --dpi 600
```

### Problem: Too many layers detected
```bash
# Increase minimum pixel threshold
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf -m 500
```

### Problem: Need exact number of layers
```bash
# Specify layer count (extracts top N by frequency)
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf -n 4
```

### Problem: Low quality output
```bash
# Render at higher DPI
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf --dpi 600
```

## Output Files

Files are saved as:
```
output/diagram_layer1_220_050_050.png  (Red layer)
output/diagram_layer2_050_100_220.png  (Blue layer)
output/diagram_layer3_050_180_050.png  (Green layer)
```

The numbers in filename are RGB values of the layer color.

## Typical Workflows

### Standard diagram (moderate antialiasing)
```bash
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf
# Use defaults - works for most cases
```

### High-detail mechanical drawing
```bash
python layer_extractor.py drawing.pdf --dpi 600 -t 25
# Higher resolution, tighter tolerance
```

### Scanned/compressed diagram
```bash
python layer_extractor.py scanned.pdf -t 45
# More lenient to handle artifacts
```

### Known layer count
```bash
python layer_extractor.py diagram.pdf -n 3
# Faster if you know there are 3 layers
```

## Parameters Quick Reference

- `--dpi` - Resolution (default 300)
  - 150 = draft
  - 300 = standard  
  - 600 = high quality

- `-t` - Tolerance (default 30, scale 0-100)
  - 15-20 = strict
  - 30 = balanced (RECOMMENDED)
  - 45-60 = lenient (for antialiasing)

- `-n` - Number of layers (default auto-detect)

- `-o` - Output directory (default "output")

## Getting Help

```bash
python layer_extractor.py --help
```