Trying to use a field to read an attribute within a block - fail

[YZ]

See block attached.

 

I created an attribute called ScaleA1, which I want to double click on this block and enter that number.

 

Then I created a text object with 2 fields in it. The first field is set to read the Value of that Attribute. The second field is a formula (2*Value of Attribute).

 

However, instead of the field displaying the Value of the Attribute, it displays the Default of the Attribute.

 

I hope to fix this bug so that it will update when I change the attribute from paper space.

 

Currently it will only update if I go into the block editor and change the default of this attribute.

 

Any ideas how to link it to the actual value?

Upload for Plan Label Test Block.dwg

[edwinprakoso]

AFAIK, You can't use fields in text within block. The only way it will change is you need to use fields in attributes, not text.

[dbroada]

not easy to do and harder to get working.

 

The normal request is for a text field to repeat an attribute. In these cases one idea is for a section plane. You type in the attribute and it displays in two places. Your problem is similar I think.

 

It is possible to link an MTEXT field to an attribute but it appears to only work at the creation stage. Any subsequent manipulation appears to break the link. I have given up trying to do this. Some people have posted methods of producing the two pieces of text but they are more complicated than having two seperate attributes.

 

It is also possible that AC2013 has improved matters so please keep trying and let us know if you win.

[YZ]

I managed to get it working, but the attribute must be in another block INSIDE the block that the field is in. Once this happens the field read the Value (which changes dynamically and is the only desired option) instead of merely the Default (which is what happened when I first posted).

 

However, it negates the speed enhancement if I have to go into the block editor to then double click on the inside block and change its attribute just so I can exit block editor and not have to change a second thing!

 

Could there be a quicker way?

[dbroada]

not to my knowledge, that is roughly the solution put forward by others. As I said, I find this as complicated as having multiple attributes to be entered long hand.

[Mike_Taylor]

The other work around is to create an attribute for your scale which I'll call "A" (the one every other one is based off of) and another that will be multiplied by 2 (which I will call "B").

 

When editing the attribute in model space (not the block editor) you can right click inside the box you type in and insert field. Use the formula type field as you have done previously, but when selecting your object select the block, it will then have a list of objects including attributes. Select "Attribute A". Add anything else you need in the formula. This is not ideal, but works well enough.