Attributes within MTEXT for plan statements

[mikeevans6697]

For our Legal Survey plans, we have several statements which are standard with some fill in the blanks required. I would like to have a block with attributes where the attributes would be inline with the MTEXT. A simple example would be a block for the date of completion where the user inputs the day and month and the mtext would adjust accordingly i.e.

The field survey represented by this plan was completed on the [day] day of [month], 2016.

If I define [day] and [month] as attributes, the ,2016 portion would be way off to the right for shorter month names such as May i.e.

The field survey represented by this plan was completed on the 12th day of September, 2016.

The field survey represented by this plan was completed on the 12th day of May          , 2016.

This is just one simple example, We have more complex statements where a similar situation would arise trying to leave appropriate spaces for all instances of the attributes.

Our current solution is to use MTEXT with blanks for the user to edit and fill in.

A second potential option would be the ability to have drop down selection boxes. I;ve been working with AutoCAD for 20+ years and have yet to see this type of functionality, but thought I may as well ask.

Mike

[john.vellek]

Hi @mikeevans6697,

I am wondering if you could use Fields in your MTEXT to do some of what you are looking for?

I have attached a sample drawing with Mtext and an inserted Field in it.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.

[mikeevans6697]

Hmmm. Perhaps, but most of the fill in the blank type items I will need are mare like attributes. Control monument numbers, scale factors, municipality names etc. I will play with this a bit though and see how fields may be able to solve at least some of the items. Thanks.

[john.vellek]

Hi @mikeevans6697

How is this for something to think about?...

Create a "table" of this information (could be attributes) and place it on its own layer that can be turned off or set to nonplot.  Then, point the fields to the attributes in the table.  That way you could enter the unique data into the attributes and then the fields will populate it in your Mtext.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @mikeevans6697,

I did play with your sample file.  I tried setting the mtext embedded field to read a block attribute and it seemed to work well until I added visibility states to the block that the attribute was part of.

So, my conclusion is that it does allow for spacing in MTExt and such but it isn't any faster than using an attribute or simply typing the value in as mtext itself. The advantage though is if you are using it more than one time on a sheet. For instance if you used the survey number in both the description,  on a map, and possibly in a titleblock then the fields could all read the value entered just once into an attribute.

So for the sample you sent me, I decided it was actually better to but the districts in their own visibility states and to share the survey number.  I have attached a file for you to play with. I hope this helps a bit for your process.

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.

[CADmonkey_UK_Building_Services]

Title Block - single click this object to edit values in the Properties Palette (if hidden press 'Ctril-1')

Alternatively, double-click this object to edit values in a dialog box. 

[john.vellek]

Hi @mikeevans6697,

I am checking back to see if my post helped you with your problem. Thanks again for the sample data!

Please add a post with your results so other Forum users can benefit.

Please hit the Accept as Solution button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question.