diff --git a/lymask/invocation.py b/lymask/invocation.py
index c454680..18abf8a 100644
--- a/lymask/invocation.py
+++ b/lymask/invocation.py
@@ -10,8 +10,8 @@
 from lymask import __version__
 from lymask.utilities import gui_view, gui_active_layout, \
                              active_technology, set_active_technology, \
-                             tech_layer_properties, tech_dataprep_layer_properties, \
-                             lys, load_dataprep_layers
+                             tech_layer_properties, \
+                             lys, reload_lys
 from lymask.steps import all_func_dict
 
 
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ def _main(layout, ymlfile, tech_obj=None):
     # todo: reload lys using technology
     with open(ymlfile) as fx:
         step_list = yaml.load(fx)
-    load_dataprep_layers(tech_obj)
+    reload_lys(tech_obj, dataprep=True)
     for func_info in step_list:
         func = all_func_dict[func_info[0]]
         try:
@@ -96,7 +96,6 @@ def batch_main(infile, ymlspec=None, technology=None, outfile=None):
                 ymlspec += '.yml'
             ymlfile = tech_obj.eff_path(os.path.join('dataprep', ymlspec))
     # Process it
-    # lys.appendFile(tech_dataprep_layer_properties(tech_obj))
     processed = _main(layout, ymlfile=ymlfile, tech_obj=tech_obj)
     # Write it
     processed.write(outfile)
diff --git a/lymask/menu.py b/lymask/menu.py
index 37c4f34..1406d89 100644
--- a/lymask/menu.py
+++ b/lymask/menu.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 import os
 
 from lymask.invocation import gui_main
-from lymask.utilities import load_dataprep_layers, tech_dataprep_layer_properties
+from lymask.utilities import reload_lys
 
 DEFAULT_TECH = 'OLMAC'
 
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ def reload_dataprep_menu(tech_name=None):
         dataprep_yml_to_menu(dataprep_file)
     # Now put in the layers refresh
     menu = pya.Application.instance().main_window().menu()
-    layer_action = _gen_new_action(load_dataprep_layers)
+    layer_action = _gen_new_action(lambda *args: reload_lys(*args, dataprep=True))
     layer_action.title = 'Refresh layer display'
     layer_action.shortcut = 'Shift+Ctrl+P'
     menu.insert_separator('soen_menu.dataprep.begin', 'SEP2')
diff --git a/lymask/steps.py b/lymask/steps.py
index c5ba107..740f27b 100644
--- a/lymask/steps.py
+++ b/lymask/steps.py
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 from functools import wraps
 from lygadgets import pya, isGUI, message, message_loud
 
-from lymask.utilities import lys, LayerSet, insert_layer_tab, gui_view
+from lymask.utilities import lys, LayerSet, gui_view
 from lymask.library import dbu, as_region, fast_sized, fast_smoothed, set_threads
 
 
diff --git a/lymask/utilities.py b/lymask/utilities.py
index 19a128a..1d6574d 100644
--- a/lymask/utilities.py
+++ b/lymask/utilities.py
@@ -185,59 +185,34 @@ def source2pyaLayerInfo(source_str):
     return pya.LayerInfo(int(layer), int(datatype))
 
 
-def load_dataprep_layers(technology=None):
-    ''' Also updates lys, but if any of the layers are already there, it does nothing.
-        If lyp_file is None, creates an empty layer list or does nothing if not in GUI mode.
+lys = LayerSet()
+def reload_lys(technology=None, clear=False, dataprep=False):
+    ''' Updates lys from the lyp files. Also updates the layer display in GUI mode.
+        If any of the layers are already there, it does nothing.
+        If no lyp is found, does nothing
     '''
     if technology is None:
         technology = active_technology()
-    reload_lys(technology, dataprep=True)
+    if isinstance(technology, str):
+        technology = Technology.technology_by_name(technology)
+
+    if clear: lys.clear()
+    try:
+        lyp_file = tech_layer_properties(technology) if not dataprep else tech_dataprep_layer_properties(technology)
+        lys.appendFile(lyp_file, doubles_ok=True)
+    except (FileNotFoundError, AttributeError):
+        print('No lyp file found. Likely that technology hasn\'t loaded yet, or you don\'t have the standalone klayout')
+
     if isGUI():
         lv = gui_view()
         was_transacting = lv.is_transacting()
         if was_transacting:
             lv.commit()
-        lv.load_layer_props(tech_dataprep_layer_properties(technology))
+        lv.load_layer_props(lyp_file)
         if was_transacting:
             lv.transaction('Bump transaction')
         lv.current_layer_list = 0
 
 
-def insert_layer_tab(lyp_file=None, tab_name=None):
-    if lyp_file is not None and lys is not None:
-        try:
-            lys.appendFile(lyp_file)
-        except ValueError as err:
-            if 'doubly defined' in err.args[0]:
-                return
-            else:
-                raise
-    if isGUI():
-        lv = gui_view()
-        i_new_tab = lv.num_layer_lists()
-        lv.rename_layer_list(0, 'Designer')
-        lv.insert_layer_list(i_new_tab)
-        lv.current_layer_list = i_new_tab
-        if lyp_file is not None:
-            was_transacting = lv.is_transacting()
-            if was_transacting: lv.commit()
-            lv.load_layer_props(lyp_file)
-            if was_transacting: lv.transaction('Bump transaction')
-        if tab_name is not None:
-            lv.rename_layer_list(i_new_tab, tab_name)
-
-
-lys = LayerSet()
-def reload_lys(technology=None, clear=False, dataprep=False):
-    if isinstance(technology, str):
-        technology = Technology.technology_by_name(technology)
-    try:
-        lyp_file = tech_layer_properties(technology) if not dataprep else tech_dataprep_layer_properties(technology)
-    except (FileNotFoundError, AttributeError):
-        print('No lyp file found. Likely that technology hasn\'t loaded yet, or you don\'t have the standalone klayout')
-    if clear: lys.clear()
-    lys.appendFile(lyp_file, doubles_ok=True)
-
-
 # reload_lys()