Defining Attributes

Command: ATTDEF and -ATTDEF

The Attdef command defines how a block's attributes will be created through a dialog box.

The -Attdef command creates block's attribute definitions at the command prompt.

General procedure to define attributes:

• specify the characteristics of the attribute, including its name, prompt, and default value;

• specify the location

• define the text formatting

• optionally: set the attribute flags (hidden, fixed, validate or predefined).

To define an attribute

1. Do one of the following:

2. Click the Define Attributes... tool button () on the Tools toolbar.

3. Choose Define Attributes...  in the Tools menu.

4. Type attdef in the command bar, then press Enter.

The Define Attribute dialog opens.

2. Define the Attribute:

3. Type a name in the Tag field.
   The Tag Identifies each occurrence of an attribute in the drawing. The name you type in the Tag field can be any combination of characters except spaces. Lowercase letters are automatically converted to uppercase.

4. Type a prompt in the Prompt field.
   The attribute prompt displays when you insert a block containing the attribute. If a prompt is omitted, the Tag is used as the prompt instead.

5. Type a default value in the Default text field.
   For variable attributes, the default value is replaced by the actual value when you insert a block containing the attribute.

6. Do one of the following:

• • Specify the x-, y-, and z-coordinates for the attribute insertion point.

  • Click the Select button () to define the insert coordinates graphically in the drawing.
    The Define Attribute dialog closes temporarily.

• (option) Set the Hidden attribute flag.
  Attributes with the Hidden flag set do not display nor print.
  If the ATTMODE (Attribute Display Mode) variable is set to 2, all attributes display, including Hidden attributes.

• (option) Set the Fixed attribute flag.
  Attributes with the Fixed flag set cannot be edited.

• (option) Set the Validate attribute flag.
  Attributes with the Validate flag set must be explicitly validated when a block containing such attributes is inserted.

• (option) Set the Defined attribute flag.
  When inserting a block you are not prompted to define attributes of which the Defined flag is set. You can edit attribute afterwards though.

• Define the Text properties: Text Style, Justification, Text height and Rotation.

3. Click the OK button to define the attribute
   The Define Attribute dialog closes.

4. (option) Right click to reopen the Define Attribute dialog, the repeat steps 2 and 3 to create another attribute.