Getting #### instead of text on fields

[DanMiddleton]

I have some dynamic blocks set up with fields that automatically change a dimension text depending on where you stretch the part to.

When I grab more than one layout tab, and select Publish Selected Layouts, go in and select DWG to PDF and set all the right settings.... I then plot the file to one file containing all the sheets.  When it plots, everything looks ok except when it comes to the section views (see p2 of 13) [view says PANEL 30 - AS VIEWED FROM BOTTOM OF FORM].  The text that should be a field with a dimension line says ##########.

Is there a variable that controls this?  I thought it might be FIELDDISPLAY so I changed that to 0, but it doesnt help,.

[h_s_walker]

Do not add a field variable which references the parameter as that is what you will get. Instead insert a field which references the length of the the line which you are stretching.

[DanMiddleton]

The block has 4 "dimensions" that are fields.  Two of them update and print properly, and the other two do not.

[pendean]

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@DanMiddleton wrote:

The block has 4 "dimensions" that are fields.  Two of them update and print properly, and the other two do not.

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You'll need to share a DWG of that page2 with your block in it please.

[DanMiddleton]

Sure... I think it has something to do with an AutoCAD variable, as it plots ok on my computer, but not on another computer in the company.  I have attached the file .... and the block is either 10.5 BOTTOM VIEW BEVEL RIGHT or 10.5 BOTTOM VIEW BEVEL LEFT.

[user181]

I have no problems when I open your drawing. What is the FIELDEVAL set to? Try changing to 31 and do a regen?

[DanMiddleton]

FIELDEVAL is already set to 31 on both computers.

[pendean]

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@DanMiddleton wrote:

... it plots ok on my computer, but not on another computer in the company....

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It's fair to say I qualify as "another computer", do you agree?

I get this when I checked your posted file

I see this when I open your file

and when I plot to PDF (not your HP plotter) I get this

But in your first post you only write about PUBLISH being the problem and for you too, not anyone else. So... which is it?

BTW I get this when I publish "select layouts" and all layouts to PDF (not your HP plotter)

[cadffm]

Without explanation, MY thumb rule: DON'T use the Plot&Publish in BACKGROUND feature.

Options/ Plot and Publish/ Background processing options..[F1]

or for publish, also in your PUBLISH dialog [F1]

or by system variable BACKGROUNDPLOT [F1]

[cadffm]

@DanMiddleton Offtopic:

Please share the correct information.

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@DanMiddleton  schrieb:
Dan Middleton
AutoCAD user since 1993
AutoCAD LT 2022

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I interpreted the signature accordingly as a problem you have with AutoCAD LT2022,
but the PDF shows that you used a not fully updated LT2023 version.

Certainly not intentional, but this can significantly delay the problem solving and cause a lot of unnecessary work for the helpers.
If you have generally switched to LT2023, please update your signature (and maybe update your version too)

[DanMiddleton]

@pendean I work in a company with 2 other drafting people.  My computer is printing and plotting everything fine.

I posted this to the forum as I have tried everything I can think of to change to make the other two computers print the same as mine (and apparently yours as well).

The problem comes when they select multiple layout tabs and try and publish or plot them all to one PDF combined file.  The #### shows up on the section views only and I thought had something to do with FIELD.  

We are actually moving away from AutoCAD, so I don't keep my signature up to date on this forum, sorry @cadffm. 

[cadffm]

and about your issue: My hint solves your problem? It should.

[h_s_walker]

@DanMiddleton May I ask why are you not using an actual dimension? They can be stretched and the text will automatically update instead of having to do a regen.

And if you associate the dimension to whatever is being stretched they don't even need to be added to any actions, they will automatically stretch.

[pendean · Accepted solution]

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@DanMiddleton wrote:

@pendean I work in a company with 2 other drafting people.  My computer is printing and plotting everything fine....

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Sadly as you can see none of us over here can replicate the issue. I suggest there is more going on with the other two users that you don't know about to share here. Might be time to engage with an IT person to perform a deep dive or reimage those machines to match yours 100% percent.

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@DanMiddleton wrote:

...The problem comes when they select multiple layout tabs and try and publish or plot them all to one PDF combined file.  The #### shows up on the section views only and I thought had something to do with FIELD.  

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Since that is what we are all doing over here with our own workstations and not seeing those exact issues, I'm not sure we can help you diagnose the issue remotely.

Here is how to open a support case with Autodesk if you are all on subscription to seek out Autodesk Support's help:
https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-find-my-sup...

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@DanMiddleton wrote:

...We are actually moving away from AutoCAD...

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Consider leaping more quickly then: best wishes with the move.

[DanMiddleton]

Thanks all for your suggestions.  I will keep plugging along....

[cadffm]

>"Sadly as you can see none of us over here can replicate the issue."

Wrong! I can reproduce it and I am sure every one can do it too.

I pointed to BACKGROUND publishing!

And @DanMiddleton never answered to this information.

Again: Turn BACKGROUNDpublishing OFF 

or is it off? I guess it's not.