Importing Symbols and Backing/Overlay Sheets

Note: The file import facilities described in this section need only be used if the AVEVA software and AutoDRAFT are on different hardware platforms. Furthermore, the use of these facilities is optional; provided you first navigate to the correct position in the database hierarchy, the macro file exported from AutoDRAFT can be run into the Draft database using the $M/ command.

If the AVEVA software and AutoCAD are on the same hardware platform, the Symbol or Sheet elements created using AutoCAD can be created in the database directly from AutoDRAFT. See the AutoDRAFT User Guide for further information.

Having created entities in AutoCAD (using the AutoDRAFT Symbol Editor) which can be used as Symbols in Draft, they can be imported to Draft and Symbol Template (SYTM) elements automatically created.

1. Select Draft > AutoDRAFT to bring up the AutoDRAFT Administration menus.

2. Select Import > Symbols from the menu bar. This displays the Load AutoDRAFT Symbols form.

   

3. If the directory to contain the Symbol creation macro file is not the local one, backspace in the AutoCAD Work Directory text box until it is clear, then type in the required directory name.

4. If the macro file to be used does not have the supplied default name symbols.mac then backspace in the AutoCAD Symbol Macro text box until it is clear, then type in the new file name.

5. Press OK.

   A Backing or Overlay Sheet will be automatically created.

6. If you wish all symbols drawn in AutoCAD that have the same name as existing Draft Symbol Templates in the selected Symbol Library to overwrite the Draft Symbol Templates when they are imported from the Symbol Editor, select the Replace All Symbols check box. (If this option is not set, you will still be given the option, at the import stage, to overwrite symbols individually.)

   The Symbol Library (SYLB) to which the Symbol Templates are to be added is as specified on entry to the Symbol Editor, see Starting the Symbol Editor.

   Note: The ways in which AutoCAD entities and attributes are mapped to Draft elements and attributes are described in the AutoDRAFT User Guide.

Having created a drawing entity in AutoCAD (using the AutoDRAFT Frame Editor) that can be used as a Backing or Overlay Sheet in Draft, it can be imported to Draft and a Backing or Overlay Sheet element (as required) automatically created.

7. Select Draft > AutoDRAFT to bring up the AutoDRAFT Administration menus.

8. Select Import > Sheet Frame from the menu bar. This displays the Load AutoDRAFT Sheet Frame form.

   

9. Do one of the following:

   • If the directory to contain the Sheet-creation macro file is not the ‘local’ one, backspace in the AutoCAD Work Directory text box until it is clear, then type in the required directory name.

   • If the macro file to be used does not have the supplied default name pdmsback.mac then backspace in the AutoCAD Sheet Macro text box until it is clear, then type in the new file name.

10. Press OK.

    A Backing or Overlay Sheet will be automatically created.

    The type of Sheet to be created, and the Sheet Library (SHLB) to which the Sheet is to be added are both as specified on entry to the Frame Editor.

    If the specified Backing/Overlay Sheet already exists in the specified Sheet Library then the old 2D primitives are deleted and replaced by the new definition.