Attribute linkage...

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I am trying to link multiple attributes to a main attribute.  The link exists; but, the value of the linked attributes are not updating when you change the value of the main attribute.  I saw some helpful ideas, but it is not successful resolution for me.  When I double click on one of the linked attributes, the Enhanced Attribute Editor opens and the value of that attribute is correct, even though I still see the default value from initially setting up the those attributes.  Please help.

Respectfully,

martinezmic

[Libbya]

You need to REGEN in order for fields to update.  When a field is within a dynamic block, you need to perform some dynamic action before the fields will start updating with the REGEN.  POST THE BLOCK!  I could make a lot of guesses about why it doesn't work, but it's a lot easy just to look at the block.

[Anonymous]

How do you go about attaching a drawing file?

Is emailing an option?

[Libbya]

Hit reply.  Under the text body area you will see 'Insert Screencast' and below that you will see 'Attachments'.  Under Attachments, select 'choose file'.  Then browse to the file and select it.  

[Anonymous]

I'm getting this message:

• The attachment's A-size drawing template.dwg content type (image/dwg) does not match its file extension and has been removed.

[Libbya]

I'd try inserting the block into a new blank file and see if that file can then be attached.  

[Anonymous]

What is meant by the [content type (image/dwg) does not match its file extension] and has been removed?

[Anonymous]

...I don't understand...

I even save the file as a AutoCAD 2000 version and it still would not attach.

[Libbya]

Have you tried what I suggested or have you just been using 'save as'?

[Anonymous]

I did the "save as" after I inserted the block into the new drawing.

[Libbya]

I've heard of the issue before but never experienced it.  I know that some people have had success by zipping the file and posting the zipped file instead.

[Anonymous]

Let's see if it worked...see attached.

[Libbya]

The file attachment worked, woohoo.  I looked at your block.  You state that you are trying to link attributes, that the link exists, but they are not updating.  I see no linked attributes anywhere in your block.  They are all just simple text with various numbers of X's in them.  What method are you attempting to use to link the attributes?

[Anonymous]

That is great that you can see the file.  So, the main block has a drawing number in the title block (e.g. 197979-01).  On the borders (i.e. the corners and a mid area to the right) that same number should be the value of those attributes I just described.  At the moment you see only xxxxxx-xx; but, it would usually shows "dwg_num".  It became xxxxxx- xx when I assigned the attribute to the value of the main drawing number and revision attributes (the big number "197979-XX".  The method I used was in the block editor.  Once I'm in the block editor I double click the attribute to open up the "Edit Attribute Definition" dialogue box and highlight the value in the "Default" field.  I right-click the field and select from the short cut menu "Insert Field".  That executes and opens up the "Field" dialogue box.  Click on the "Field category:" drop-down arrow and select "Objects".  Three columns appear once you select "Object" in the first column: Field names; Property; Format.  Next, select the "Select object" button (above the top right corner of the second column. This is where I choose the main drawing number attribute (DWG#).  Choosing that populates the second and third column.  Now you select from the second column, "Value". I did that for all the other drawing attributes and for the revision attributes and link those revision attributes to the main revision attribute.  Close the block editor and save and update the block.

...there, that is how I did it.  A lot of details...lol.  Thank you for looking into this.

[Libbya]

EVERY attribute must have a unique tag.  You have multiple attributes with the same tag.  Any attribute containing a field that is supposed to change must have Constant=No in properties.  See screencast.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I looked at the solution and attempted to model my block as you instructed.  AutoCAD seems to not like the changes.  The file seems to become corrupt in that it leaves a trail of text and lines as I move the block to the 0,0 coordinates.  I also noticed that I have to constantly regen all to see the updated fields.  Attached is the block as it would be in a working state prior to amending it.  Again, once I make changes to the original the links for the attributes are lost.  Also, if you will notice on the original block...you can double click any of the perimeter Drawing attributes and change it and that change would be updated to the main attribute as well as the other perimeter attributes. Meaning, I don't have to choose the main attribute if I am going to change the drawing number.  I can choose any of the attributes for the drawing number and all the other attributes including the main attribute will be changed.  All this is the same for the revision number attributes.

[Libbya]

Yes, regen is needed to update fields after changing an attribute value.  That is correct behavior.  The block looks like the same as before.  All unlocked attributes.  Multiple attributes with the same tag.  Posting the block that you updated based on the screencast would make more sense.

[Anonymous]

Out of curiosity, did you notice in the last block I sent, you didn't have to regen to update the attribute values?  The reason why I sent that is to show you how functional the block was before I needed to amend it.  No matter which drawing number attribute I chose to change, all the other drawing number attributes were affected, thus their values changed as well. 

[Libbya]

That's not what happens for me.  The screencast shows the most recent block you attached without my having edited any property of it.  As you can see, none of the small attributes with the same tags updated.  I've already spent a considerable amount of time outlining exactly what the issues are and how to fix them.  I'm not really into repeating myself so I'm done trying to help.  Good luck with your block.

[Anonymous]

I appreciate all the time you took to try and find a resolution.  One last thing.  I am wondering if it has to do with my AutoCAD 2017.  I was working on another drawing where I used a block I did not have to modify...so it was a working block.  Just to note, I have never had to do a regen on a drawing with this block and now it seems like all my drawings have similar symptoms (i.e. all the attributes are not updating as well as stray text that just appear after I regen all).  In order for the updates to take affect and the stray text and lines to clear, I close AutoCAD and restart it.  That seems to be a fix for any existing drawings with the working blocks.  Is there any ongoing issues with the latest AutoCAD?  Well, thank you for your time and trying to help.

Respectfully,

martinezmic