Community
Symbol Builder is in every release. In version 2009 Symbol Builder went through an overhaul that makes it work inside the Block Editor environment. Recall that the graphics of a symbol are for human enjoyment. AutoCAD Electrical works from the information stored as attribute values.
The revised Symbol Builder allows you to pre-select the type of symbol you wish to create (i.e. PB, CR, LT, etc.) and it supplies a list of appropriate attributes for that type of device. For example if you choose to create a pushbutton (PB) Symbol Builder will list the standard attributes that all symbols require plus the CONTACT attribute for you to enter NC or NO as a default value to designate normally-closed or normally open. Hint: AutoCAD Electrical doesn't interpret the graphical look of a normally-closed symbol to determine that it is normally-closed. It looks at the value stored in the CONTACT attribute. This is how AutoCAD Electrical knows whether to cross-reference the contact as NO or NC and which pin assignments to give it from the Pin List Database.
All that said, AutoCAD Electrical symbols could be created and modified with AutoCAD LT if you are already familiar with the required attribute names and how they are interpreted by the program. The Symbol Builder is a great tool to use at first until you are familiar with the various attributes, but over time you may sometimes find it quicker to just create or edit with standard AutoCAD commands such as ATTDEF, Properties, Move, Erase, Copy, and WBlock. Just remember to name the symbol according to the naming convention of AutoCAD Electrical.
Doug McAlexander
Design Engineer/Consultant/Instructor/Mentor specializing in AutoCAD Electrical training and implementation support
Phone and Web-based Support Plans Available
Phone: (770) 841-8009
www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mcalexander-1a77623
Please Accept as Solution if I helped you. Likes are also much appreciated.
The revised Symbol Builder allows you to pre-select the type of symbol you wish to create (i.e. PB, CR, LT, etc.) and it supplies a list of appropriate attributes for that type of device. For example if you choose to create a pushbutton (PB) Symbol Builder will list the standard attributes that all symbols require plus the CONTACT attribute for you to enter NC or NO as a default value to designate normally-closed or normally open. Hint: AutoCAD Electrical doesn't interpret the graphical look of a normally-closed symbol to determine that it is normally-closed. It looks at the value stored in the CONTACT attribute. This is how AutoCAD Electrical knows whether to cross-reference the contact as NO or NC and which pin assignments to give it from the Pin List Database.
All that said, AutoCAD Electrical symbols could be created and modified with AutoCAD LT if you are already familiar with the required attribute names and how they are interpreted by the program. The Symbol Builder is a great tool to use at first until you are familiar with the various attributes, but over time you may sometimes find it quicker to just create or edit with standard AutoCAD commands such as ATTDEF, Properties, Move, Erase, Copy, and WBlock. Just remember to name the symbol according to the naming convention of AutoCAD Electrical.
Doug McAlexander
Design Engineer/Consultant/Instructor/Mentor specializing in AutoCAD Electrical training and implementation support
Phone and Web-based Support Plans Available
Phone: (770) 841-8009
www.linkedin.com/in/doug-mcalexander-1a77623
Please Accept as Solution if I helped you. Likes are also much appreciated.
Can't find what you're looking for? Ask the community or share your knowledge.
Post to forums
