Problem with ATTEDIT failing to update attribute values

[KeithSWD]

I normally use ATTEDIT rather than EATTEDIT, as it is much quicker for changing multiple attributes in blocks.

However, I am finding it is intermittently failing to update blocks. If I double-click the block, or start the command from the command line, the ATTEDIT window opens normally and I can change the attributes, however no changes are made to the block on clicking OK. No error message is generated. However  EATTEDIT is working normally, and if I insert a new block, it will generally work normally with both commands.

In the attached drawing I cannot update the level blocks with ATTEDIT.  But the new block (in the rectangle) is fully editable with ATTEDIT.

This issue is not specific to particular blocks or to particular drawings.

I am using Autocad 2018 (2018.0.2) and Win10.

[SeeMSixty7]

The only attribute I had trouble with using attedit was the one that was prefixes with S: once I realized it was not an attribute, but text inside a block next to an attribute, I was able to edit the attribute next to it without any problems.

So by chance are you doing the same thing?

The S:165.22 text in the middle of your drawing is the one I am referring to. The S: in this one is not an attribute and will not change and attedit will do nothing with it. I'm sure you know that, but just verifying.

Good luck,

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

I'm not sure if that is the reason, but you are using critical attribute tag (attribute names)

Your tag is 0.00 (numeric + a dot)

Well, I'm not 100% sure that this is the reason, but using _BATTMAN to change the tag and then inserting a new block gives me the chance to edit the value with command _ATTEDIT.

Why am I not sure about that is easy, on one side during _ATTDEF you can create such an attribute without getting an error ... and command _EATTEDIT is working well.

>> I am using Autocad 2018 (2018.0.2) and Win10.

If you are using AutoCAD 2018 you should not save your drawings back to an older dwg-format. There are already too many issues listed here when doing that.

- alfred -

[KeithSWD]

Interesting, I have been using this block for about a decade, actually the tag for the attribute is LEVEL, it is the default value that is 0.00

I would be surprised if this was the issue as it has worked previously and still works now with EATTEDIT? And even works with ATTEDIT some of the time (as in the block in rectangle with 'TEST BLOCK'

I was not aware of issues relating to the save version. That is a real pain, I have to share drawings with other consultants and it seems that none are on subscription so they are all using older versions.  I have not encountered any problems other than this one myself.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> actually the tag for the attribute is LEVEL,

Definitely not, LEVEL is the prompt, whereas "0.00" is the tag

>> I have to share drawings with other consultants 

You always have the option to run command -EXPORTTOAUTOCAD to create a copy of your working file and forward that to your partners.

But let your working file always stay at the most current dwg-format!

- alfred -

[KeithSWD]

My apologies! Yes, you are right, my bad, as they say.

I wish this was the culprit as it would then be easily fixed. But it doesn't explain the other blocks which are exhibiting the same behaviour which don't have this attribute tag.

I'll see if keeping the file format up to date helps. It will make sharing drawings more laborious as currently I just copy the DWG files to the Team Dropbox folder, drag and drop, voila. It seems exporttoautocad can't be used to batch update a folder of dwg files without getting into scripting.

thanks for the suggestions,

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> But it doesn't explain the other blocks which are exhibiting the

>> same behaviour which don't have this attribute tag

Which ones? I only looked to the "LEVEL-GENERAL" block as that is the one I saw the issue and that was most used in your drawing.

>> It seems exporttoautocad can't be used to batch update a folder of dwg files

Try command _DWGCONVERT, there you can define a list of files ... and in the options to export with exploded AEC  objects.

- alfred -