Creating New Symbols

The Create Symbol command creates symbols from 2D and/or 3D objects, including text. Symbols can also be created from other symbols, from plug-in objects, groups, and worksheets. At placement, the symbol can convert automatically into a group or plug-in object. Viewports cannot be made into symbols.

For more information on symbol types and color categories, see Symbol Types.

 

Item	Convert to	Result
2D Object	2D Symbol	2D black symbol, for use in Top/Plan view
3D Object	3D Symbol	3D black symbol, for use in a 3D view
2D/3D Hybrid Object	Hybrid symbol	Hybrid black symbol, for use in 2D plans and 3D models
Symbol	Symbol Group Plug-in Object	Saves any changes to the current symbol attributes as a new, black symbol definition Creates a new blue symbol definition, to be inserted as a group Creates a new red symbol definition, to be inserted as a plug-in object
Group	Symbol	Creates a new black symbol definition, with multiple objects existing within a symbol container
Plug-in Object	Symbol Plug-in Object	Creates a new black symbol definition. This allows all instances to change by editing the plug-in object inside the symbol, even though the actual symbol instance cannot be edited. Creates a new red symbol definition, to be inserted as a plug-in object. This allows an editable plug-in object to be placed in a drawing with saved parameters. For example, a door plug-in object, when saved with a width of 4’ and inserted as a plug-in object, is inserted with a width of 4’ rather than with the default width.
Worksheet	Group	Creates a new blue symbol definition, to be inserted as a group. For example, a worksheet can be saved as a preformatted report by saving it as a blue symbol definition.

To create a new symbol:

1.	Select the object(s) to convert into a symbol.

To create a hybrid symbol, select both the 2D and 3D objects. In Top/Plan view, align the objects first (symbol alignment can be adjusted after creation with the Edit Symbol command). The symbol preview that displays in the Resource Browser is generated in the symbol view at creation or editing.

Two loci can be specified as wall break locations. In Top/Plan view, place two loci at opposing locations with the object to convert, and select them all before converting. When the symbol is inserted into the wall, the wall breaks at the loci locations instead of the symbol bounding box.

2.	Select Modify > Create Symbol.

The Create Symbol dialog box opens.

Parameter	Description
Name	Provide a name for the new symbol. Do not use single quotes in symbol names. Single quotes in names are reserved for use in VectorScript.
Leave Instance in Place	When selected, replaces the current selection with a symbol instance; when deselected, the object is removed from the drawing. In both cases, the new symbol definition is added to the Resource Browser.
Insertion Point	The insertion point controls how the symbol is inserted. Select Plan Projection Center (2D) or 3D Object Center (3D) to place the symbol by using its geometric center (as determined by its bounding box) as the symbol insertion point. If converting a plug-in object, select Plug-in Origin to set the center of the object as the insertion point. Select Next Mouse Click to set the insertion point manually, with the cursor, after clicking OK.
Options	Displays additional symbol insertion and conversion options

3.	Click Options to select additional symbol insertion options.

The Insertion Options dialog box opens. The Other Options available depends on the original object selected.

Parameter	Description
Wall Options
Insert in walls	Select how the symbol will be inserted in a wall. On centerline snaps the symbol’s insertion point to the center line of the wall. On edge snap’s the symbol’s insertion point along either edge of the wall.
Wall breaks	Select how the wall breaks around the symbol when it is inserted into a wall
Other Options
Convert to Group	Converts the symbol into a grouped object when inserted, disassociating it from the original symbol definition. Grouped objects are identified in the Resource Browser with a blue name. Deselect to convert the symbol into a black, unmodifiable symbol; each instance is controlled by the symbol definition.
Convert to Plug-in Object	Converts the symbol into a plug-in object when inserted, allowing the current parameters to be pre-set when the plug-in object is inserted. Deselect to convert the symbol into a black, unmodifiable symbol; each instance is controlled by the symbol definition.
Class	Select the class the symbol will be assigned to upon insertion; select Default to place the symbol in the active class

4.	Click OK to exit the Insertion Options dialog box and click OK again to exit the Create Symbol dialog box. If the Next Mouse Click insertion point option was selected, click to specify the desired symbol insertion point.

The new symbol is added to the Resource Browser.