Defining and Modifying Expandable/Changeable Symbols

It is possible to define symbol graphic as expandable or changeable in the Symbol Properties dialog in Database Editor mode using the Modify symbol graphic option:

 

 

Symbol
Symbol graphic

Fix

Activate this option to fix the symbol graphic. When selecting the graphic in project mode, no editing points will be displayed.

Replicate

Activate this option to replicate the symbol graphic when dragging in project mode.

 

The complete symbol graphic will be created as free graphic connected to the symbol in project.

 

Downsizing of graphic is impossible, at least one element must be displayed. One must replicate either horizontally or vertically.

 

Thus, the symbol space requirement determines the preferred direction. It can't be replicated beyond the symbol zero.

 

See Example

Dynamic

Activate this option to define the symbol graphic as changeable or expandable. In project mode, the graphic can be enlarged, reduced and so on when dragging.

 

See Example

According connect line

Note

The entry "According connect line" appears only if the symbol type "Attribute text template" is set.

 

Activate this option to place a symbol graphic on a curved connection (e.g. as segment-/cable protection). This is available on a E3.formboard sheet via the command "Place on segment".

 

Note

The symbol must exist of exactly one graphic line which is assigned to a user-defined line style.

 

If not, saving will be denied with an appropriate message.

 

The graphic line which displays the symbol must be saved horizontally to the database. The space requirement rectangle shall surround the line cleanly in the height (Y-direction) as it will be used for identification.

 

See Example

 

The a.m. options are not active with the following symbols:

  • Block

  • Block fix

  • Table

  • Grouped symbol for bundles

  • Module

  • Panel sheet

  • Sheet

  • Shield symbol

  • Terminal plan sheet

  • Twisted pair symbol

 

Example

Every option refers to the complete symbol. The example shows the ZUK03-04-06FB symbol from the installation database.

 

 

Replicable symbols

When selecting the replicate option was checked, the symbol can be resized in Project mode using the two handles that are displayed as follows:

 

 

The symbol is always replicated in direction to the longer side of the space requirement. In case the space requirement is quadratic the symbol is only replicated vertically (not horizontally):

 

 

Changeable symbols

When defining the ZUK03-04-06FB symbol as changeable in the database, by checking the yes option in the Symbol Properties's Modify symbol graphic option, the symbol displays more then 2 handles and can be resized, scaled down etc. using those handles:

 

 

Note

Changeable symbols always have more then 2 handles besides replicable symbols.

 

Symbols according connect line

Devices (in the following application a 'Segment-/Cable Protection') with symbol type "Attribute text template" and the property "According connect line" can be placed on a curved connection o a E3.formboard sheet.

  • Right-click on the corresponding device within the component tree, and

  • select the command Place on Segment:

     

  • left-click the desired curved connection: