If you are familiar with ObjectARX, then you will understand the attached
diagram that illustrates the relationship between the AcPpAsset custom
entity, the AcPpAssetStyle, and finally the AcDbBlockTableRecord.
>> Are the "Graphical Class Styles" in the Project setup synonymous with an
>> AutoCAD block and some of it's properties?
Sort of. A Graphical Class Style corresponds to an AcPpAssetStyle class
instance. This is a non-graphical object in the DWG file (stored in a
dictionary within the NamedObjectsDictionary) that is used to define how an
AcPpAsset (the custom entity placed in modelspace) is displayed. The style
contains the color, layer, linestyle, linescale, etc and in addition it
stores a link to the block containing the geometry to be displayed by the
custom entity (aka. AcPpAsset).
What you place from the tool palette into modelspace in a custom entity of
type AcPpAsset. This custom entity fetches its display properties from the
style (AcPpAssetStyle) it is associated to and the style points to the block
definition where the geometry is stored. When the custom entity goes to
display itself, it draws all the entities in that block definition using the
other properties stored on the style (color, layer, etc).
>> If I want to add some of my own symbols, is there a utility to migrate
>> them into this format?
Use the project manager UI to make a new style. Then edit the style to point
it to the DWG and specific block definition you want to use for it. There is
even a button in the UI to create an icon on the tool palette so you can
drag-n-drop your item from the tool palette.
>> How are "Class Property Settings" and "Graphical Class Styles" related?
Class Property Settings is related to the project database schema. For
example, a GateVale has properties X, Y, and Z. Think of it as the columns
you see in the Data Manager for a given class type.
Graphical Class Styles define how a class is displayed in the DWG. For
example, a GateValve goes on layer A and is green.
>> When I have in the "Graphical Class Styles" an endline for join type, is
>> it suppose to add it to the end of a line or break the line and erase the
>> segment that does not belong?
The join type defines the expected behavior but it can be overridden by how
the item is used. For example, you can drop inline items out in space and
then draw lines from either end in effect making it an end-line asset. Most
of the behavior is defined by the class name itself. For example, if the
class is a "Reducer" then we know it should break the line when placed. I do
not believe we have documented all the specific classes we internally
capture for specific behavior. If you have a specific need, ask and I will
see what I can do for you.
- Jorge
wrote in message news:5533308@discussion.autodesk.com...
Are the "Graphical Class Styles" in the Project setup synonymous with an
AutoCAD block and some of it's properties?
If I want to add some of my own symbols, is there a utility to migrate them
into this format?
How are "Class Property Settings" and "Graphical Class Styles" related?
When I have in the "Graphical Class Styles" an endline for join type, is it
suppose to add it to the end of a line or break the line and erase the
segment that does not belong?
I've been through the help file and I don't see a clear explanation (my
opinion) or answer to my questions.
Any help from beta testers or Autodesk on these?
