Inserting Symbols in 3D

Use the 3D Symbol Insertion tool to place a symbol in the drawing when it is one of the 3D views. If not in a 3D view, selecting this tool automatically switches the view to Top and the projection to Orthogonal. During insertion, a preview of the symbol is shown to aid in placement. Symbols can also be inserted by dragging them from the Resource Browser.

Each symbol has its own insertion point, a location on the symbol shown by crosshairs in the Edit Symbol window, that controls how the symbol is placed into the drawing. The insertion point is specified during the symbol’s creation. See Creating New Symbols for more information.

 

To insert symbols in 3D:

1.	In a 3D view, select the desired symbol from the Resource Browser.

2.	Select Make Active from the Resources menu. The 3D Symbol Insertion tool, on the Basic palette, becomes active.

When in a 3D view, double-clicking the symbol in the Resource Browser makes the symbol active and selects the 3D Symbol Insertion tool.

3.	Click to set the location of the symbol.

4.	Orient the symbol.

Clicking a second time, without moving the mouse, positions the symbol exactly as inserted. Alternatively, move the cursor slightly away from the insertion point; then move the cursor to rotate the symbol about its insertion point. In the Data bar, use the A (angle) and WP A (working plane angle) fields to help position the symbol.

In click-drag mode, click and hold the mouse to insert the symbol and still be able to rotate it. A quick click eliminates the ability to rotate or flip the symbol and locks the orientation of the symbol as it is placed.

5.	Click to set the symbol.

To place another copy of the symbol in the drawing, move the cursor to another location and click. The selected symbol and 3D Symbol Insertion tool remain active until another tool is selected.