Do attributes and Fields work the same way?

[faisalWJ8Y9]

Hi all,

I'm just curious whether fields and attributes work in much the same way? that is, for example I know in sheet set, we currently update our titleblock information through this method - what's being updated are fields. 

This then allows for me to PDF drawings, with the updated information with no need to open the drawings first to ensure the titleblock information has been updated.

However we are in the process of developing a method of updating the titleblock information using attributes using an excel spreadsheet, because this also allows us to quickly update a sheet schedule using datalinks and also things like transmittal information. However I notice with attributes, they don't update unless I open the drawing first, then it will automatically change the information. Is this just a setting I haven't turned on?

Because if it isn't then I'm wondering if I can use fields instead - this way I don't need to open each drawing first for the titleblock info to be updated.

Because right now to PDF, I am using Lee mac's core console routine from his website to run a PDF script I've written, this allows for me to PDF without needing to open each drawing like how the publish command does, meaning I can PDF a lot faster. However I need to run another lisp beforehand to ensure my attributes are updated before pdfing  and this lisp opens each drawing, the titleblock updates and then it closes the drawin, which defeats the purpose of having the PDF script really...

SO my questions:

1. Do fields work differently to attributes and do not require me to update drawings by opening them first? Does anyone currently follow the same sort of workflow we are currently using but use fields rather than attributes?

2. Is it possible that attributes can be updated automatically without opening the drawings? IE. If I have an excel sheet that links to the attribute info and they are updated this way can I avoid the need to open each drawing first?

thanks,

FD

[Joe-Bouza]

I use fields in attributes in SSM. This is the Sheets happen work flow. 

I never tied Excel to attributes if it isn’t mapping to a field it must map to … dang can’t recall the name. Not object  data but something like that. It’s the address for each attribute.

I like fields ans SSM. Look up JTB Workd. Com he ha a load of stuff to enhance SSM

[faisalWJ8Y9]

Yeah so I figured out how to make attributes have a field, but the issue is we still can't get it to update automatically unless the drawing file is opened first.

We decided we want to move to excel, because we can automate the process for updating the sheet schedule as well as the transmittals we send to clients all in one place. Overall the process works fine, it's just that I'd rather try to enhance the workflow if I can by removing the need to use an extra command. 

we were using Sheet set, with SSM but we just found it to be rather clunky. I've had a look at JTB what they have is good, but we would like to move away from Sheet set if possible and well if we can avoid paying for a service that is ideal as well.

I'm sure there is a way to do what I described above..just have to find it

[Joe-Bouza]

Check your FIELEVAL System variable. it is the sum of all you want

[faisalWJ8Y9]

From the looks of things My fieldval seems to be set to the same level as yours 31, but it still doesn't seem to update the attributes without the need to open the drawing first.

There is surely a way... because sheetset literally uses the same attributes and fields, yet it's automatic - sometimes i wish you could read into the code ha

[Joe-Bouza]

Like I said I the link to attributes is using a different method that fieldeval has no effect on.

keep us posted on progress

[Joe-Bouza]

Object Handle is the name I was was searching for. 

[lim.wendy]

Hi Faisal,

Thank you for submitting your question in our discussion forums. Have you had a chance to look over Joe's suggestions? 

Please let us know if you require further assistance. 

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[faisalWJ8Y9]

Hello,

Sorry for the late response. Unfortunately, no I am still unable to achieve what I mentioned. I appreciate the help however

[chriscowgill7373]

From my understanding, fields cannot update unless the drawing opens.  They are dynamic.  Attributes can contain fields or solid text.  Attributes that can contain text can have that text changed without opening the file, but would require custom programming.  In that case, you are changing the value.  With fields, you are not changing the value, you are updating the entity, graphically, which requires the drawing to be open.

You can write a custom program that can update attributes within a drawing using ObjectARX.  I'm guessing it would work similar to the program you are trying to use that does not require opening the drawing to plot a pdf.