Working with symbols - general rules   

CADprofi program possesses several commands used for inserting symbols into the drawing. It is possible to insert symbols in any point, into lines, as well as the simultaneous insertion of multiple symbols in the drawing.

CADprofi symbols have certain properties, thank to which they behave in a "smart" way, for example automatically adjust the insertion angle to the line, automatically break the line at insertion point, adjust the layer depending on the kind of installation etc.

All symbols available in CADprofi program are being inserted as blocks, which can be copied, deleted or edited with the use of standard CAD program commands. Most symbols can be also edited with the use of CADprofi editing commands such as: Quick edit, Edit symbols and Delete symbols.

Symbols are often used to graphically represent real devices, armature and other installations elements, therefore it is possible to add technical parameters, about the products used in the project, to the symbols (Attributes and descriptions command), as well as numbering and symbols' marks. This information can be used when describing drawings when creating graphical legends or specifications.

 

Symbols and Marks commands are used to insert symbols into the drawing.

Each command that is used for working with symbols has got a variety of options used insertion of single or multiple symbols into the drawing.
Main options (available after pressing the button):

    Insert symbol or symbols.

    Into many lines.

    In extension.

    Into point.

 

 

‘Insert symbol’ option

This is the default option that allows to insert symbols in any point or into a line indicated by user.

 

Insert into a line

Insert in any point

 

6 Procedures                                                                

Insert symbol

1.    Select the symbols or symbols in any library.

2.    Click the Insert symbol button. The library dialog window will close allowing insertion of symbols into the drawing.

3.    Point into a line, in which you would like to insert the symbol.

4.    (Optional) Click anywhere in the drawing to insert a symbol.

5.    (Optional) Specify the rotation angle of inserted symbol - this option is available only if user has selected the Rotate option in the library dialog window.

 

When inserting symbols into lines, the symbol insertion angle depends on the line angle (the angle specified in the dialog box is being ignored).

In this case, if user selects the Rotate option, then he will be able to specify symbol's rotation relatively to the line. This option is very convenient when inserting symbols which have

a possibility to determine their tap direction, handle position, flow direction etc.

The angle of such symbol will be dependent on the position of P2 point.

 

Without rotation

With rotation

 

‘Into point’ option

The Into point option may be used when it is necessary to insert the symbol in a point that lies on a line, but in such a way that the symbol won't "adjust itself to the line". In this option, the inserted symbol "ignores" the line, so it does not break it and it does not take angle from it. This option is used in many situations for example when inserting sensors, which usually need to touch lines.

Inserting symbol in a point (line was ignored)

6 Procedures                                                                

Insert into indicated point         

1.    Select the symbols or symbols in any library.

2.    With the use of  button, pull-down the insertion list.

3.    Click the Into point button. The library dialog window will close allowing insertion of symbols into the drawing.

4.    Point into a point in a line, in which you would like to insert the symbol.

5.    (Optional) Click anywhere in the drawing to insert a symbol.

6.    (Optional) Specify the rotation angle of inserted symbol - this option is available only if user has selected the Rotate option in the library dialog window.

 

‘In extension’ option

The In extension option allows to precisely specify the symbol insertion point in relation to other objects located in the drawing. This allows to insert a symbol in a point in accordance with for example another symbol.

Inserting in extension

 

6 Procedures                                                                

Insert in extension

1.    Select the symbols or symbols in any library.

2.    With the use of  button, pull-down the insertion list.

3.    Click the In extension button. The library dialog window will close allowing insertion of symbols into the drawing.

4.    Click a line, in which you would like to insert the symbol (P1).

5.    Program will determine a point at the line beginning (P1’). Specify the offset against this point or specify the symbol insertion point against you would like to specify the location of the inserted element (P2).

6.    Specify an additional offset or click Enter to confirm the insertion point.

7.    (Optional) Specify the rotation angle of inserted symbol - this option is available only if user has selected the Rotate option in the library dialog window.

8.    Symbol will be inserted in the drawing and the command will end (if user has not selected the Insert multiple option).

 

‘Into many lines’ option

Into many lines option gives the possibility to quickly insert selected symbol into many lines. It allows to insert selected symbol into all lines that cross with the „indication line”, that was specified during insertion (P1-P2).

Inserting symbols into many lines

 

 

6 Procedures                                                                

Insert into many lines

1.    Select the symbols or symbols in any library.

2.    With the use of  button, pull-down the insertion list.

3.    Click the Into many lines button. The library dialog window will close allowing insertion of symbols into the drawing.

4.    Specify the first point of the “crossing line” that will cross with lines (P1).

5.    Specify the second point of the “crossing line” that will cross with lines (P2).

6.    The selected symbol will be inserted in all lines that crossed with the “crossing line”.

 

 Schemes: working with symbols                   

 

Arrange option

Arrange option allows user to quickly insert multiple copies of a given object in a selected layout. This option significantly speeds up the insertion of objects such as fire detectors, sprinklers, lighting fixtures, and so on.

In the first step, the command evenly divides the selected area into rectangular zones , into which the object is then placed. The size and arrangement of the zones depend on the parameters specified in the dialog box.

Example of zoning according to the current LUW system

Example of separating zones according to the longest edge

Arrange Objects dialog box

Selected rooms - places the object in the selected current drawing.

Select polyline - places an object in any closed polyline indicated in the drawing.

Draw polyline - places an object in a specified area defined by selecting points (vertices of a polygon).

Define polyline - positiones an object within an automatically detected boundary after selecting an internal point.

Arrange in a rectangular array :

   Along the section -

   Along a line or selected segment of polyline -

   Along the infoline -

Check rooms with placement - this option allows user to select all rooms on the list in which an arrangement has been made with the currently selected symbol or a related symbol (e.g. a sensor of a different type).

Invert selection - inverts the selection of rooms available in the list.

Regular placement by offset (X, Y, max or D max) - a mode in which the number of columns and rows of the distribution will be selected so that it does not exceed the specified values of XY spacing or R radius. This option is recommended when the placed element has an operating range (e.g. a sensor).

Xmax Ymax Deployment

Dmax Deployment

Regular placement by quantity nX, nY - mode in which user specifies the number of columns and rows, the distances between elements will be calculated based on these parameters.

nX nY placement

 

 

 

Arrange in accordance to - orientation of the X and Y directions for the distribution.

Placement angle - the rotation angle of the distribution.

Object insertion point - the point of the zone where the block will be placed.

 

Placement by Dmax - toggles the ability to define Xmax, Ymax or Dmax.

Include points outside polyline - enabling this option will result in inserting blocks whose zones overlap the filled area, but their centers lie outside it.

 

Notice

If we want to rearrange an object in a given room or polyline, program will give us the option to replace it by displaying an appropriate dialog box.

 

 Arranging objects                                                

 

Usage of symbols inserted with a fixed angle

In order to maintain the project correctness, some symbols are being inserted with a fixed angle. Examples include gravels and separators. These symbols should be inserted with a 0° angle. In CADprofi many symbols have got an enforced insertion angle. When user will insert such symbols in horizontal or vertical lines, these lines will automatically break. In other cases, lines are not being broken.

 

Vertical line

Horizontal line

Incline line

 

Notice

For symbols with a fixed insertion angle, "Angle" and "Rotation" options located in the dialog box are being ignored.

 

Symbols that contain text (visible attributes)

For symbols that contain text (visible attributes) CADprofi program will automatically adjust angle of the text. Thanks to this the situation in which text would be displayed "upside down" or "backwards" is being avoided. User has the following possibilities to adjust texts:

   0° fixed angle.

   0° or 90° angle. If symbol is inserted with a 90° angle, then the text is also rotated by 90°. In other cases the text angle is 0°.

   Automatic angle from -30° to +120°. In these ranges the text rotation angle is sufficiently readable.

Adjustment of attributes angle

Notice

Options for text adjusting are permanently set for each symbol. User can change these options only for symbols that were added by the user.

 

Find symbols

In each dialog window that is used for symbols insertion there is a search option, thanks to which it is possible to quickly find desired symbols.

The Find field is used to enter a phrase (full or just a part name of searched symbol). This field remembers typed words, which allow user to search again from the expanded list by pressing the  button and clicking Find.

After filling the search field, application will automatically filter the current library content and display only those categories which contain the objects that match the search results. Clicking the Restore button  will display all library objects and end the search.

 

Multivariant symbols

Multivariant symbols are objects, thanks to which in a quick and easy way user can customize their view or information contained in the inserted object. In this way, one multivariant symbol can replace many "traditional" ones, while giving a better possibility to configure their look and type.

Multivariant symbols may be freely modified, using the Edit symbols command.

Example of a multivariant symbol

Socket - user can specify the following options:

   socket type,

   connector type,

   socket multiples,

   additional markings (number of fields, type etc.).

 

Management of symbols content

CADprofi program possesses several thousands of symbols grouped in appropriate categories. Witch such a large number it is sometimes hard to find symbols needed at the moment. On the other hand, when working on a particular project it is usually not needed to work with more than several dozens of symbols. In order to speed the work, user can add selected items to the *Favourites* category thanks to which he will be able to get a much faster access to them.

It is possible to create sub-categories related to a specific theme, such as a separate category for symbols used in designing telecommunication, lighting installation and more. Furthermore one element can be added to many sub-categories.

For elements placed in the *Favourites* category it is possible to change their name, which will be later used in BOMs, legends and descriptions. Change of name can be also used to user own translations for some symbols from international standards.

 

Adding symbols to favourites

Add to favourites  button allows to copy any symbol to the *Favourites* category. This folder is created automatically after user has copied the first symbol.

 

Changing the symbol name

Initially, each copied symbol receives the default name from the original item.

In order to change the symbol name that is located in the *Favourites* folder, user should first select it and then press the F2 button to activate the edition mode

 

Notice

Changed name will be visible in tables and descriptions that are created with the Bill of materials command.

Changing category

In order to change or define a new category, click the right mouse button on

a desired symbol and from the context menu choose the Change category option.

In the dialog box, user can select an existing category or enter a new category name. After accepting, selected symbol will be moved to the defined category.

 

CADprofi application allows to create many copies of each symbol and it is possible to place them in different categories. Thanks to this user can create categories that group symbols of a specified type or the most common used symbols for a given industry type.

 

 

Changing the category or many symbols

If user is editing a symbol in his native category in which there are many symbols, then CADprofi application will change category for all these symbols.

 

Deleting symbols

It is possible to delete symbols from the *Favourites* category. To do so, select the symbol and choose the Delete  option from the dialog window.