         //----------------------------------
         
         /**
-         *  Property that returns the effective alpha of this design layer
-         *  (which considers the alpha of this layer multiplied with the alpha of 
-         *  any ancestor layers).  
+         *  Property that returns the effective alpha, between 0.0 and 1.0,
+         *  of this design layer. 
+         *  This value multiplies the alpha of this layer by the alpha of 
+         *  any ancestor layers.  
          * 
          *  @default 1.0
          * 

        private var _alpha:Number = 1.0;
        
        /**
         *  The alpha for this design layer instance.
         *
         *  <p>When updated, the appropriate change event for <code>effectiveAlpha</code> 
         *  will be dispatched to all <code>layerPropertyChange</code> listeners 

        //----------------------------------
        
        /**
         *  Returns the effective visibility of this design layer.
         *  This value takes into consideration the  visibility of 
         *  this layer and any ancestor layers.  
         * 
         *  @default true
         * 
