Block Containing Text Data Only

[Anonymous]

I would like to create a block that would really be a container for several types of attribute data, displaying a couple of them as text, but maintaining the rest for use in a DB query. Therefore, the "physical manifestation" of the block would just be a couple of strings of text.

For example, in my case I've got a drawing showing steel beams in a structure. Each beam has several physical attributes including the formal size designation (from the AISC steel manual e.g.), a piece mark for identifying the beam uniquely, the total weight of the beam, and the length of the beam. At the time the block is inserted, I presume a prompt would pop up asking for all this data to be entered before the block is placed.

When placed, the block would only display the "formal size" and the "piece mark" so that if the drawing is printed/plotted, that's what would appear on the printed page. However, the remaining data attributes would be there even if not displayed. That way, I could extract the data from these blocks into a spreadsheet, etc.

What would be your suggestion for accomplishing this?

[neaton]

In your attribute definition dialog box, check the "Invisible" box for the ones you don't want to print.

Nancy

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@Anonymous wrote:

I would like to create a block that would really be a container for several types of attribute data, displaying a couple of them as text, but maintaining the rest for use in a DB query. Therefore, the "physical manifestation" of the block would just be a couple of strings of text.

For example, in my case I've got a drawing showing steel beams in a structure. Each beam has several physical attributes including the formal size designation (from the AISC steel manual e.g.), a piece mark for identifying the beam uniquely, the total weight of the beam, and the length of the beam. At the time the block is inserted, I presume a prompt would pop up asking for all this data to be entered before the block is placed.

When placed, the block would only display the "formal size" and the "piece mark" so that if the drawing is printed/plotted, that's what would appear on the printed page. However, the remaining data attributes would be there even if not displayed. That way, I could extract the data from these blocks into a spreadsheet, etc.

What would be your suggestion for accomplishing this?

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[Anonymous]

Yes, this is on the right track but I had sort of figured that out already. What I'm having trouble with is formatting and displaying the text data. At first I thought "oh, a field," but that appears to be a fairly complicated thing to do. And remember this is all in the context of a block to be placed.

[neaton]

Just put the attributes in the block.  They don't need to be in a field. I am away from my computer so can't send an example.  Do a search for "attributes in blocks" should get you some more information. 

Nancy 

[neaton]

Attached is a quick example of a block with hidden attributes. Remember that with attributes if you move them around or change their name inside the block editor to use ATTSYNC after you close the block to have them move to their new positions. After the attributes are created use the Properties palette in the block editor to change the attribute text properties to the correct size, justification, etc. if they need to be changed.

If this doesn't answer your question please attach an example of what you would like the text to look like or post the block with snips of what you would like it to look like vs. what you have come up with.

Nancy

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@Anonymous wrote:

Yes, this is on the right track but I had sort of figured that out already. What I'm having trouble with is formatting and displaying the text data. At first I thought "oh, a field," but that appears to be a fairly complicated thing to do. And remember this is all in the context of a block to be placed.

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