Help with fields?

I'm using AC 2008. I have never used fields before. However, I'm working up a new drawing template and was wondering if fields can solve some of my problems.

First question.

If in my layout titleblock I have the scale set as a field, can I have that field change to or acquire the plot scale when it is chosen.

I've discovered the field categories and have used the plotscale field in my title block. However, it always shows up as 1'=1'0" no matter what scale I print at. Any suggestions? Also, is there any way to create a field that is empty and I just highlight and enter the text, sort of like the fields in a fill-able pdf?

Hoping some one can give me some guidance.

thanks

Use a Field that references an object. From there, you can select the viewport and choose Standard Scale.

Plot scale isn't the same as view port scale. I suspect that your field is reading the plot scale of the sheet/layout/paperspace and not the view port scale of the view port.

Alanjt's Method will link the field to the specific viewport that you pick. You can do this with a bit of automation if you use the sheet set manager.

Also, is there any way to create a field that is empty and I just highlight and enter the text, sort of like the fields in a fill-able pdf?

thanks

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this bit, care to talk through an example?

Thanks for you answers. I think I understand the concept, but I'm not exactly sure how to execute it. Any examples/tutorials out there?

As for the second question. I'm just trying to cut down on the number of mouse clicks. So what I would like, is to have fields that look empty but show the gray field area. Positioning the cursor over them, or 1 click, would activate them and enable me to fill in information. Sort of like a pdf form.

Hmmm. A field is a text based object that is reading it's information from somewhere else. You don't need to fill in information. A blank field would mean the object that the filed is connected to doesn't have any information.

I don't want to be unhelpful but I don't think you quite get fields. Fields aren't related to the input boxes that you get on a form.

http://www.caddigest.com/subjects/autocad/tutorials/select/031004_parsai_2005_fields.htm

I guess I am carrying over the idea of "fields" from other applications. Perhaps what I really want are Cells. In many applications you can format a field/cell to accept only certain types of text, numeric, alphanumeric, etc. That is what I'm trying to do, just with fewer clicks. Still, solving the viewport print scale field issue is my priority.

In that case you might want to look into tables...

Thanks for the replies Pablo. I was tinkering with tables and may still be able to get it to do what I want.

Re: the scale field. I still have not got that to work. I have never used sheets sets and just have a template with layouts for paper sizes. Most of my work requires the same drawings produced in 8.5x11, 11x17 and 24x36. I would just like to find a way that the "scale" in the titleblock of the print will update to that of the view port. In othere word how do I link that field to the view-port scale? Is there any tutorial that might walk me through it? All of my searches have not produced anything specific to that.

Use a Field that references an object. From there, you can select the viewport and choose Standard Scale.

Alanjt already gave you that answer!

http://indydrafter.com/autocad-fields-with-objects/

http://heidihewett.blogs.com/my_weblog/2006/03/sheets_happen_s.html

Thank you for the links. I've got it to work now. thanks for all you responses.