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Manual / Block & Symbol

Attributes (ATTDEF, ATTEDIT, ATTDISP)

Define attribute text in a block (ATTDEF), edit its values (ATTEDIT) and show or hide it (ATTDISP).

What it does

An attribute is text with a tag that is attached to a block, for example a device number. When you insert the block, the program asks for the value using the prompt you defined.

Command Alias Meaning
ATTDEF ATT Creates an attribute definition (tag, prompt, default value, height).
ATTEDIT ATE, EATTEDIT Click a block that has attributes, then edit their values.
ATTDISP – ATTDISP <ON|OFF|Normal> shows or hides all attributes.

Where to find it

  • Ribbon: type the command
  • Command line: ATTDEF (alias ATT)

Steps

  1. Type ATT and press Enter. The Define Attribute (ATTDEF) dialog opens.
  2. Enter a Tag (for example TAG), a Prompt (for example Device tag), a Default value and a Text height. Click OK, then click the position.
  3. Select the shapes and the attribute, then create the block with BLOCK <name>.
  4. When you place that block from the Content Browser (Group Drawing), the program asks for each attribute value. A block you just made shows up in that group after you save and reopen the drawing. Typing INSERT <name> places the block with its default values and does not ask.

Define Attribute dialog
Define Attribute dialog

Option Meaning
Tag The attribute name (used as an identifier).
Prompt The text shown when you insert the block.
Default value The initial value.
Text height The text height.

Note: Use ATTDISP OFF to hide all part numbers before you plot a general arrangement drawing.

Try it: Motor tags with power ratings

Three conveyor motors on one supply, each with a small tag box that shows its name and power. The tag text is attributes, so you change the values in a form instead of hunting for the right text.

  1. Motors: open the Content Browser, Group electrical, Category motors, set Scale 2, click Motor 3~ and click at 0,0, 80,0 and 160,0. The motor hangs below the point you click, with its middle lead at X+10. Press Esc. Supply line: L -10,20 → 240,20, and a drop to each motor's middle lead: L 10,0 → 10,20, L 90,0 → 90,20 and L 170,0 → 170,20.
  2. Tag box: REC 28,-26 → 40 Tab 16, then L 28,-18 → 68,-18 across the middle.
  3. ATT. Tag TAG, Prompt Motor tag, Default value M1, Text height 4.5. Click OK and click at 31,-16.
  4. ATT again. Tag POWER, Prompt Rating, Default value 0.75 kW, Text height 4. Click at 31,-24.
  5. Drag a window around the tag box and its two attributes, type CO, click 28,-26 as the base point and 108,-26, 188,-26 as the destinations.
  6. Drag a window around the middle tag and type ATE. The form asks Motor tag: and Rating:. Type M2 and 1.5 kW, then OK. Do the same on the right tag: M3, 2.2 kW.

Three motors on one supply, tagged M1 0.75 kW, M2 1.5 kW and M3 2.2 kW
Three motors on one supply, tagged M1 0.75 kW, M2 1.5 kW and M3 2.2 kW

Challenge: Type ATTDISP OFF to hide every tag for a clean layout print, then ATTDISP ON to bring them back.

See also