Defining Properties Tables for CustomBlock Definitions

A Block properties table associates combinations of values to Block properties. For example, you can use a Block properties table to define a set of dimensions for doors.

In the Block reference, you can display the list of available combinations of values by clicking the table grip point. Selecting a combination of values automatically changes the Block reference to the corresponding values defined by the rows in the Block properties table.

Use the CBTable command to display or update the Block properties table associated to a CustomBlock definition.

The command creates an empty Block properties table.

You can add element properties and values to the Block properties table.

Each CustomBlock definition can have only one Block properties table.

The Block properties table can include:

• Elements
• User parameters
• Dimensional constraint parameters
• Attributes. Attributes let you name each row of the Block properties table.

  Note: Assign the Predefined mode to attributes that you want to include in a Block properties table.

Example:

Considering a CustomBlock defined for representing windows of various sizes, you can select from a list of specific sizes.

Selecting the corresponding Block properties table element grip point in the Block reference displays the list of available sizes. To change the size of the window, for the corresponding Block reference, select an option from the list. The Properties palette displays the corresponding values for the window Length and Width (Custom category).

The workflow for defining a Block properties table includes the following steps:

1. Open the Block Editor and create all necessary elements and attributes for the CustomBlock.

To create a Block properties table:

1. Open the Block Editor and create all necessary elements and attributes for the CustomBlock.
2. In the Block Editor, do one of the following:
   • On the ribbon, select Edit Block > Dimensional > Block Table.
   • Type CBTable.
3. Optionally, specify the properties:
   • Name
   • Label
   • Description
   • Palette. Determines whether the label appears in the Properties palette when you select the Block reference.

   You can always modify the element properties later in the Properties palette.

4. In the graphics area, specify the element position in the CustomBlock definition. The position of the properties table element in the CustomBlock definition becomes the grip point position in the Block reference.
5. Specify the number of grip points:
   • 0. No grip points.
   • 1. One grip point at the point position.
6. In the Block Properties Table dialog box, do the following:
   • Add element properties to the Block properties table
   • Add user parameters to the Block properties table
   • Delete columns and clear column data

7. In the Block Properties Table dialog box, a column appears for each element property.

8. Type a value in each cell of the row.

   A new row appears automatically when you type a value in a cell. Each row represents a new set of values. These sets of values appear in the context menu when you insert the Block and select the Block properties table parameter grip point.

   Note: Right-clicking on a column heading displays a context menu with options for adjusting columns.

9. Click to check each set of values in the Block properties table.

   Note: Make sure the records are unique.

10. Optionally, use Block properties must match a row in the table to specify whether the properties added to the table can be modified individually or not. When it is possible to change other properties without matching a row, the default properties are displayed.
11. Click OK to return to the Block Editor.

    To display again the Block Properties Table dialog box double-click the table element or access the CBTable command.

To add properties to the Block properties table:

1. In the Block Properties Table dialog box, click Add Properties .

   The Add Element Properties dialog box lists all elements in the Block that contain property values.

   Note: The property name is the label of the element.

2. Select element properties to add to the table.

   Note: Use Shift and Ctrl for multiple selection.

3. Click OK.

   In the Block Properties Table dialog box, a column appears for each element property.

To add a new user parameter to a Block properties table:

1. In the Block Properties Table dialog box, click Add Properties .
2. In the Add Element Properties dialog box, specify the user element properties:
   • Name. Specify the name of the user parameter.
   • Value. Specify the value of the user parameter.
   • Type. Defines the type of the new parameter.
3. Select Display in Properties palette to display the user parameter as a property in the Properties palette for the Block reference.
4. Click OK.

   A new column appears in the table for the user parameter.

To remove properties from the Block properties table:

1. In the Block Properties Table dialog box, select the column that corresponds to the property to delete.
2. Right-click and select Delete Column.

Access

Command: CBTable

Ribbon: Edit Block > Dimensional > Block Table