The atTrouble with Attributes

[JD]

Working with AutoCAD "attributes" with the goal of not exploding blocks...

Blocks are "updatable" (with the INSERT command) while the exploded resulting polylines and floating attribute definition disable this ability.

BURST, an Express Tool, can be used to EXPLODE blocks with attributes. The attributes in the exploded block will take on the original attribute definition’s layer and color. Bursting may not replace exploding to gain access to the linework contained in a block but attributes will retain their values (like die numbers) if blocks are "BURST FIRST".

ATTDISP masters attribute display. Selecting "Normal" allows user-set parameters to take effect. The "On" and "Off" options over-ride user-settings and the "On" setting is the culprit when un-wanted attributes remain visible within composite die drawings.

BATTMAN - This command (along with the Properties Toolpalette) controls the "Invisible" option of a block attribute. In it's dialog box, the specific attribute you are editing is selected in the upper-right-hand corner drop-down list. BATTMAN is universal in nature and options specified with it apply to all instances of an attribute in a drawing. HOWEVER, all instances of the attribute MAY not update upon completion of the command!!! This is especially noticeable when changing a font or after updating a block with the INSERT command, update option.

The ATTSYNC command updates all instances of the block attribute in the drawing. You must either select the block (with attribute) in the drawing window or type in the block name. This command will over-ride all individual text edits (text alignments, "backwards" and "upsidedown"s) you may have done to the block attribute(s).

EATTEDIT gives control over specific instances of the block attribute. This command is used when a block appears several times and at varying angles and mirrored situations. EATTEDIT allows the the text of the attribute to be rotated for proper plan read-ability.
NOTE: Attribute text rotated and/or mirrored outside of nested blocks retains relative text orientation (retains BATTMAN settings or those of the copied or mirrored source).

By setting the "Double Click Action" of the "Attribute Block" in the CUI to the command you use more often you can lighten your typing load. Used in combination with the .pgp editor (keyboard shortcut) command ALAISEDIT, each attribute fine-tuner is placed at your fingertips. One approach is to set said "Double Click Action" to BATTMAN and adding a keyboard shortcut like "AE" for the lesser-used EATTEDIT command. Complete the tour de force with a Toolbar (or Tool Pallette) button for ATTSYNC and remembering the typed-in commands is a thing of the past. Any or all of these commands can be any combination of the previous mentioned "shortcut" methods.

A successful approach when mirroring blocks with attributes is to insert them at a rotation angle that displays the text of the attribute oriented properly, then mirroring it. Observing this guideline will greatly decrease situations where the attribute must be edited with the all-powerful BATTMAN or it's diminuative sidekick EATTEDIT!

Please contact JD with suggestions and corrections!