Why might construction tools not be visible in the Create Features window?

The visibility of construction tools in the Create Features window is closely tied to the selection of a feature template. When you select a feature template, it defines what types of features you are intending to create and thus determines which construction tools are made available for that specific task.

If no feature template is selected, the software cannot ascertain the context of the data you're working with—therefore, it does not display the relevant construction tools necessary for adding or editing features corresponding to a template. The feature template serves as a blueprint that incorporates the required attributes and the rules for the features you're about to create, directly influencing tool availability.

In contrast, a layer not being editable, not being turned on, or not having a default tool assigned would not solely prevent the construction tools from being visible in the Create Features window like the requirement for an active feature template does. While those aspects can affect overall functionality, the primary requirement for accessing the specific construction tools hinges on having an active selection of a feature template.