Discover how to add attributes to drawing symbols in CAD, specifically door and window symbols, in this article. Learn how to utilize the "File, Open" method, define attributes using the "Block Definition", and correctly input and align data in the "Attribute Definition" dialog box.
Key Insights
- The process of adding attributes to symbols in CAD involves using the "File, Open" method to access previously created or received files. In this example, the "Detail Symbol" file was opened to add attributes to a symbol worked on earlier in the course.
- Attributes can be added via the "Block Definition, Define Attributes" option found under the "Insert" tab. The "Attribute Definition" dialog box will appear, allowing users to add elements to their attributes. This involves three distinct elements: the tag (one-word shorthand), the prompt (additional language or question), and the default value (common value).
- Justification and text height are crucial elements when defining attributes in CAD. For instance, in the content, the "Detail Symbol" attributes were set with "Bottom Center" and "Top Center" justifications, and a text height of 1 over 8 inches. Also, attributes can be nudged and aligned as desired within the symbol using the Control and arrow keys.
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You might remember that we did not add our attributes earlier in the course to our drawing symbol, our door symbol, or our window symbol, and now I'd like to add those before we insert the door and window symbols into this project. For the first time in this course, let's go to File, Open.
Open allows us to reference files we've created previously or files that we've received from somewhere else. Here you can see I'm in CAD101 File Downloads, and I want to find Detail Symbol and hit Open. You'll remember that this was the first symbol we worked on in this course, and now we want to finish it by adding our attributes.
The Attributes tools can be found on the Insert tab under Block Definition, Define Attributes. Here we will see an Attribute Definition dialog box. These attributes are going to have three distinct elements.
These are the tag, the prompt, and the default value. The tag is a one-word shorthand that helps us understand what the attribute means, while the prompt allows us to add additional language that asks a question or defines what we're looking for. The default value allows us to add a default value if that is a common value, like the scale was for our title block.
Let's start with the tag. I'll click into the tag dialog box, and if we check the handout, the top value tag will be DETL-NR. The prompt will be 'Enter Detail Value Number, ' and the default will be set to 'Blank.'
The text style is important. In this case, the text style will be Text01, and the text height will be 1/8 inch.
Let's hit OK, and I will choose the midpoint here. Because we did Bottom Center, we can see the text appears above the line. Let's add another attribute by defining it. If we check the handout, this one will be DETL-SHT for Detail Sheet, and the prompt will be 'Enter Detail Sheet Number.' Again, the default value is 'Blank.'
In this case, the justification will be Top Center, and the text height will remain 1/8 inch. I'll hit OK, and again, I'll choose this midpoint. Now, you'll see that the difference between the top and bottom justification appears slightly off.
In this case, I'll hit Escape, Escape, Escape, choose DETL-NR, and, using Control and the up arrow, nudge it into place near the center of that semicircle. I'll hit Escape, Escape, Escape, choose the Detail Sheet attribute, and, using Control and the down arrow, nudge it down to align similarly in the semicircle. These don't have to be perfect, but it's good practice to try and align them as best you can.
Now we're done with the Detail Symbol, so we can press Control-S to save and move on to our Door and Window Symbols. These are slightly easier. Let's go to File, Open, and I'll choose my Door Symbol and hit Open.
You'll notice that my ribbon is already on Insert Block Definition, so I can define the attributes. Remember, this circle was drawn at 0,0, so when we place this attribute, we'll place it at 0,0. The tag value will be 'Door-Sym' for Symbol. The prompt will be 'Enter Door Symbol, ' and the default will be blank.
In this case, the justification is Middle Center, and the text height, again, will be 1/8 inch. Let's hit OK and specify this at 0,0, 0. Enter to lock it in, Zoom Extents, and Control-S to save. That's all it takes to add this attribute.
The Window Symbol is identical, so let's go to File, Open, and select our Window Symbol, located at the bottom of our folder. I'll hit Open. Let's define the attributes.
Again, this will be WDW-SYM. Refer to your handout. The prompt is 'Enter Window Symbol, ' and the text height is 1/8 inch, and let's not forget justification.
It should be Middle Center. Notice that we typed 0,0,0 because 'Specify on Screen' was enabled in our last example. However, here on the left, we can uncheck the 'Specify on Screen' button and place it at the absolute coordinates of 0,0,0.
Let's click OK, Zoom Extents, and press Control-S to save. Now that we are done with these three symbols, we can close them one at a time, 1,2, and 3, and now in the next video, we will be ready to insert our Door and Window Symbols.
See you there!
