topic Dropdown fields for variable block attributes in Dynamic Blocks Forum

Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

Anonymous — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 16:07:29 GMT

Hi guys,

Is there a way to create a drop down list for variable attributes? The blocks I have in my drawing have multiple variable attributes – for example ‘height adjustable’ attribute for ‘chair' blocks - where in the value field one would enter ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. I was wondering if there is a way to have a dropdown list in the value field for the variable attributes? So, when you insert a block, rather than a person manually typing in the values for the multiple variable attributes (when sometimes spelling mistakes can occur), there is a drop down list of predefined answers to choose from.

Please note, some of the prompts for variable attributes are more complex than 'yes' 'no' answers, hence why I want to eliminate spelling mistakes by having a dropdown list to choose from for multi-users.

Someone has mentioned visibility states - but not sure how this would work with block attributes? Bearing in mind I will be extracting the attribute data in a table format using a Extract Data tool.

If you could direct me to any info for this, it would be much appreciated!

Re: Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

Libbya — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 16:42:07 GMT

Yes, you can add that functionality. The method I would recommend would be to add a lookup for each attribute you want selectable in predefined states. Add the various lookup properties and add a field to each attribute, displaying its lookup property.

Re: Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

MMcCall402 — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 16:55:33 GMT

Look into using Lookup parameter and/or a Block Table. Options vary with each.

The lookup method uses a field as the attribute's value to access the lookupstring value. You can have multiple lookups and you can have more than one attribute us the same lookup value.

The block table method supplies the values to the attributes by including the attribute in the table. You only get one of these tables per block. The table can supply unique values to more than one attribute at a time. The selection menu/list for a block table can branch to subselections in order to get to a unique selection.

Re: Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

Libbya — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 17:11:41 GMT

Here's a screencast showing the lookup version. As mentioned block properties will work also and will avoid the regen, but the selection process with the nested dropdown menus in this case would be a real turnoff for me.

Re: Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

Anonymous — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 04:02:54 GMT

@Libbya wrote:
Here's a screencast showing the lookup version. As mentioned block properties will work also and will avoid the regen, but the selection process with the nested dropdown menus in this case would be a real turnoff for me.

I saw you write command M2P+space .. what is it sir?
thank you so much if you can answer my question

Re: Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

Libbya — Thu, 26 Oct 2017 06:17:29 GMT

M2P is "midpoint of two points." It works when you are in another command and the host command asks for you to enter a point. If you enter the command M2P, it will then prompt you to enter the 'first point of mid' and 'second point of mid'. Once you have selected those two points, the original command will resume as though your original point selection was the mid of the two points. Here's a screencast to show it working:

Re: Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

rbh1 — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 23:21:02 GMT

THANK YOU THIS IS GREAT!!!!!!!!

Re: Dropdown fields for variable block attributes

pramod_mekhuri6313 — Thu, 18 May 2023 21:35:30 GMT

Hi @Libbya
I have create a block with drop-down attributes and i want some qty in front of the Block field attributes. But in some of the field attributes, i am unable to add any details. And also i am sharing the screen shoot for your reference.