ABA Defaults
- Last UpdatedAug 13, 2025
- 4 minute read
Sets the location of all libraries and output files, sets the attributes for batch users and allows easy loading of macro files.
The default setup assumes a single defaults file and a single set of ABA libraries. However, it is possible to create several defaults files and accompanying libraries; one for each discipline. A user can then access a specific defaults file and hence reference the libraries defined for a specific discipline.
When a user accesses a new defaults file, a record of it is saved in the %AVEVA_DESIGN_USER%/aba_defaults file, which is loaded on entry to the Draw application and removes the need to set the defaults window on each and every entry. If a multi-discipline project is organized and you want this to function, consider a AVEVA_DESIGN_USER environment for each user.
To have different defaults across different projects, determine a location for separate defaults files, and modify the location path for each project. Each project default file can then, in turn, reference differently named libraries if so required.
The File drop-down menu allows you to load and save default files.
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File |
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Load Tasks |
Select from the drop-down list to load all files from the default files library location. |
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Save Defaults |
Select from the drop-down list to save all files in the default library location. |
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Save Defaults As |
Select from the drop-down list to display the Area ADP File Browser window. |
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Close |
Select from the drop-down list to discard any changes and close the ABA Defaults window. |
To define the location of the libraries, type the location in the relevant field, or navigate to it in the members list and click CE.
The hierarchy is checked every time the ABA Defaults window is loaded to make sure that all libraries are correctly located. If this is
not the case the Create Hierarchy displays 
, and the hierarchy must be checked to find the problem.
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Defaults file |
Specifies the location directory and name of the defaults file used to store the ABA default settings. Click Defaults File to display the Area ADP File Browser window. Click Load to load the default settings from the defaults file. |
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Library |
Displays the top-level LIBY element which holds all the required ABA administrative elements. |
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Template |
Displays the LIBY or DRTMLB used to hold all the ABA drawing templates. If a LIBY is used, all relevant DRTMLBs are scanned for templates. |
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Area |
Displays the LIBY or DLLB used to hold all the IDLI (ID List) elements that store the physical limit coordinates for each of the ABA geographical areas. Using a LIBY enables multiple DLLBs to be used to split areas by discipline. |
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Classification |
Displays the LIBY or DLLB used to contain all the IDLI elements for each ABA classification. |
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Keyplans |
Displays the Sheet Library (SHLB) used to hold all the Overlay (OVER) elements for the keyplans. |
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Symbols |
Displays the Symbol Library (SYLB) that contains all ABA symbols. For example, north arrows. |
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Labelling |
Displays the Tag Rule Library (TRLB) that contains all the ABA tag rules. |
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Tasks |
Displays the Task Library (TASKLB), which holds all the ABA tasks. |
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Create Hierarchy |
Allows you to automatically create the administrative hierarchy specified in the ABA Defaults window. To make use of this functionality, modify the names in the ABA Defaults window as required. If the required structure exists, Create Hierarchy displays If the required structure does not exist, Create Hierarchy displays Note: To create the hierarchy specified in the ABA Defaults window, click
Select a database from the list. Click Apply to create the hierarchy or Cancel to discard any changes and close the Create Aba Hierarchy window. When a hierarchy is created, initial SYMBol elements are created. If the structure
exists, Create Hierarchy displays |
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Standard |
Select the option button to define a standard font type. You must select a font type from the drop-down list. |
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True-Type |
Select the option button to define a True-Type font. You must select a font type from the drop-down list. |
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Logfile Location |
Displays the directory path for process logfiles. |
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Batchfile Location |
Displays the directory path for process batchfiles. |
To load and review macros, click Input File to display the Area ADP File Browser window.