Defining Attributes

[Kate]

Does anyone know what the 'Preset' option does when defining attributes?

 

I looked up help in AutoCAD and it says:

 

"Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block containing a preset attribute"

 

How is this different from putting a value in the Default box?

[ReMark]

A preset attribute will not prompt you for a value. Preset attributes however can still be edited.

[Kate]

A preset attribute will not prompt you for a value. Preset attributes however can still be edited.

Thank you for the reply. I noticed that with ATTDIA set to 1 that there is a 'prompt' (if you call it that) but with ATTDIA set to 0 that it is not asked for????

 

When you say preset attributes can still be edited - can't all attributes be edited?

[ReMark]

CONSTANT

 

"Creates an attribute that does not prompt you for a value. Once set in a block, constant values cannot be changed using the standard set of attribute editing commands."

 

Source: Mastering AutoCAD by George Omura.

[ReMark]

ATTDIA

 

This is what is known as a system variable. ATTDIA controls the Attribute dialog box. "0" = no dialog box. "1" = dialog box.

 

I hope that answers your question.

[dbroada]

with ATTDIA set to 0 you still get the prompt but it is on the command line, not in a box. If you don't want any prompts set ATTREQ = 1 (the way I work).

[Kate]

with ATTDIA set to 0 you still get the prompt but it is on the command line, not in a box. If you don't want any prompts set ATTREQ = 1 (the way I work).

Thank you both for your replies. I'm still at a loss though

 

Is 'preset' any different from putting a value in the 'Default' box while defining the attribute?

[rkent]

Does anyone know what the 'Preset' option does when defining attributes?

 

I looked up help in AutoCAD and it says:

 

"Sets the attribute to its default value when you insert a block containing a preset attribute"

 

How is this different from putting a value in the Default box?

 

Either way you can place something in the Default.

 

With preset, when you insert there will not be a prompt to enter a value, it is done for you.

 

Without preset, when you insert you will get a prompt (attreq = 1), the default value will be there so you can accept that or enter something else.

 

Without preset but attreq = 0, either block will work the same way, there will not be a prompt to enter a value, the default is used.

[Kate]

Either way you can place something in the Default.

 

With preset, when you insert there will not be a prompt to enter a value, it is done for you.

 

Without preset, when you insert you will get a prompt (attreq = 1), the default value will be there so you can accept that or enter something else.

 

Without preset but attreq = 0, either block will work the same way, there will not be a prompt to enter a value, the default is used.

Ok that makes sense! Thank you.

 

It seems that the workings of preset (and verify) are only apparent when ATTDIA = 0. Otherwise, with ATTDIA = 1, there is no difference as it's possible to change the values in the dialogue box. Is that correct?

 

 

As an aside, it begs the question: why can you have preset and verify clicked at the same time? If, with preset, there is no prompt for a value, then there is also no verification of the attribute???

[ReMark]

AutoCAD assumes you knew what you were doing in the first place by selecting Preset. They didn't expect you to change your mind.

[Kate]

AutoCAD assumes you knew what you were doing in the first place by selecting Preset. They didn't expect you to change your mind.

Well if I didn't want to change my mind, wouldn't I have simply chosen a constant attribute???

[ReMark]

Preset pretty much means what it says. However, that doesn't mean you can't change your mind. You work the way you want to work. If AutoCAD won't adapt to your work style then create a LISP routine that will provide you with a satisfactory workaround.

[Kate]

It's not that I want to work any differently, I just wanted to find out what preset does and why it is there. In any case thank you and thanks also to dbroada and rkent for taking the time to reply. I think I have learned something from each reply.

[rkent]

It seems that the workings of preset (and verify) are only apparent when ATTDIA = 0. Otherwise, with ATTDIA = 1, there is no difference as it's possible to change the values in the dialogue box. Is that correct?

 

One can still change the attribute value regardless of the preset or verify setting. After the block is inserted one can go back anytime and change the attribute.

 

 

As an aside, it begs the question: why can you have preset and verify clicked at the same time? If, with preset, there is no prompt for a value, then there is also no verification of the attribute???

 

The program has evolved over 25 years with many different programmers in varied locations so you are going to find lots of things that don't make sense all the time. Find what works and don't worry about the inconsistencies.

[ReMark]

One of AutoCAD's best features is the ability of the user to customize it to fit his or her own needs. That's why we sometimes refer to it as vanilla AutoCAD. It tries hard to be all things to all people. With a little help, by you, it becomes your CAD program thus making it different from someone's version (assuming of course they took the time to tweak it).

[Kate]

The program has evolved over 25 years with many different programmers in varied locations so you are going to find lots of things that don't make sense all the time. Find what works and don't worry about the inconsistencies.

Ok thanks for this. I wasn't worried - just curious about how it worked. But again - thank you!