Multiple attributes in blocks

bj25 · 07-17-2006, 05:32 PM

I have a block for an A3 template used for drawing PLC inputs and outputs. The block contain many attributes such as name date title etc. I have 1 attribute(sn) called sheet number that is duplicated about 20 times on the template. This is used to identify reference points on the drawing. When inserting the block I get all the prompts for the attributes which is fine but, how can I input the data once for (sn) and have it inserted into all the others automaticaly with out having to enter the data individually?

Inactive · 07-18-2006, 04:46 AM

select all the blocks, either using filters or quick select to isolate the name of the block you want to edit. or you can pick them one by one.
then the change properties dialogue box will show all the attributes attached in that block and there when you type in a value it will be changed for all that are selected.

bj25 · 07-18-2006, 03:18 PM

Thanks for the prompt reply, I know the method you suggested but didn't think of using it. many thanks.

bj25 · 07-18-2006, 03:46 PM

Just tried the method suggested and it works but it is not exactly what I want to do. When I insert the block I am promted for values to all the attributes within the block. Of these attributes 2 of them have multiple location, I then get prompted for all the locations. Example: I have an attribute called SN "sheet number", this is used in about 20 location within the drawing and I am prompted for all 20. I was hoping there may be away of only having to enter it once at the prompt and then all 20 get that value. Maybe there is no way to make this work except from your suggestion or don't use attributes but text and use the quick find option. thanks anyway.

Inactive · 07-18-2006, 05:28 PM

i suggest you make a block with text that is going to replace that common attribute that repeats itself. this block will be a block in the big one (called nesting) you are inserting into the drawing.

then, edit the block with all the attributes and copy this small block to the locations where the common attribute is. delete all those common attributes. save the block or file, obviously.

now when you insert the big block you'll have the attributes to change as usual, but the common one will be a nested block of text. so when you edit the text in the nested block all of them will change.

you can easily edit the nested block by using the
modify>xref and block editing>edit reference in-place
off of the menu bar and choose anyone of the nested blocks to edit. they are all the same, so when you change one you change them all.

the only problem is that if you have this big block inserted multiple times and each of these nested blocks need to be different per big block... it's the same nested block in each of the big ones so when you change one they all change regardless of whether they are nested or not.

07-17-2006, 05:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
bj25 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 3 OS: XP	Multiple attributes in blocks I have a block for an A3 template used for drawing PLC inputs and outputs. The block contain many attributes such as name date title etc. I have 1 attribute(sn) called sheet number that is duplicated about 20 times on the template. This is used to identify reference points on the drawing. When inserting the block I get all the prompts for the attributes which is fine but, how can I input the data once for (sn) and have it inserted into all the others automaticaly with out having to enter the data individually?

07-18-2006, 04:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
Inactive Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,704 OS: ~	select all the blocks, either using filters or quick select to isolate the name of the block you want to edit. or you can pick them one by one. then the change properties dialogue box will show all the attributes attached in that block and there when you type in a value it will be changed for all that are selected. __________________ "it takes two to lie, one to lie and one to listen" Homer

07-18-2006, 05:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Inactive Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,704 OS: ~	i suggest you make a block with text that is going to replace that common attribute that repeats itself. this block will be a block in the big one (called nesting) you are inserting into the drawing. then, edit the block with all the attributes and copy this small block to the locations where the common attribute is. delete all those common attributes. save the block or file, obviously. now when you insert the big block you'll have the attributes to change as usual, but the common one will be a nested block of text. so when you edit the text in the nested block all of them will change. you can easily edit the nested block by using the modify>xref and block editing>edit reference in-place off of the menu bar and choose anyone of the nested blocks to edit. they are all the same, so when you change one you change them all. the only problem is that if you have this big block inserted multiple times and each of these nested blocks need to be different per big block... it's the same nested block in each of the big ones so when you change one they all change regardless of whether they are nested or not. __________________ "it takes two to lie, one to lie and one to listen" Homer Last edited by Inactive; 07-18-2006 at 05:30 PM. Reason: typo

07-18-2006, 03:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
bj25 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 3 OS: XP	Thanks for the prompt reply, I know the method you suggested but didn't think of using it. many thanks.

07-18-2006, 03:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
bj25 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 3 OS: XP	Just tried the method suggested and it works but it is not exactly what I want to do. When I insert the block I am promted for values to all the attributes within the block. Of these attributes 2 of them have multiple location, I then get prompted for all the locations. Example: I have an attribute called SN "sheet number", this is used in about 20 location within the drawing and I am prompted for all 20. I was hoping there may be away of only having to enter it once at the prompt and then all 20 get that value. Maybe there is no way to make this work except from your suggestion or don't use attributes but text and use the quick find option. thanks anyway.