Template Symbols

To create a template symbol, start the Database Editor and start Symbol creation by:

  • selecting the New Symbol command on the object menu by right-clicking on the header of a column in the Database Window.

    A new working area (drawing sheet) named Symbol Type NewSymbol# is created. Its size depends on the size defined in the Tools -> Settings -> Database Editor -> Symbol dialog box.

  • right-clicking on the sheet in the Project Window and selecting the Symbol Properties command on the Sheet object menu.

 

The desired template type can now be selected from the Type drop-down menu. The following template symbols are available:

 

Node templates (symbol type 100)

  • Templates for connect-node symbols (inclusive of graphics and text).

  • Node templates are used in Database Editor Mode only and can be selected from the drop-down list of connect-point templates in the Symbol Node toolbar.

  • Node templates cannot be placed on Database Symbol sheets, if block or sheet format symbols are edited.

  • Node templates cannot contain sheet text.

  • Node templates can be assigned to dynamic symbols in project.

 

General templates (symbol type 101)

  • General templates, for example text templates.

  • General templates cannot be placed from the Symbol Node toolbar.

  • General templates can be placed on any DBE Symbol sheet

  • General templates can contain any text type

 

Attribute text templates

  • Attribute text template symbols can be placed on connect lines. Existing text nodes are automatically updated on placement.

  • Attribute text templates can be defined for normal components, connectors, cables, blocks and assemblies. The definition is possible by placing any attribute template symbol on the respective component sheet in Database Editor mode.

     

    Hinweis

    Attribute text templates of devices of the type cable and cable bundle that are placed on connect lines, only show the information of the conductors/wires of the cable or cable bundle.

  • Attribute text templates can contain text nodes that are linked to attributes. On modification, these text nodes are automatically adapted to the related attribute values.

  • Attribute text template symbols must not have connect nodes.

  • Attribute text templates can contain text or any graphic.

  • The following parameters of a connect line can be represented: cable type, cable name, higher level assignment and location of the cable, wire name, wire number, signal(s)

  • If the connect line is moved, the symbols are moved as well. If only the symbol is selected, it can be moved, but has to be placed again on a graphical connect line (not necessarily the original one)

  • Attribute text templates can be placed on net nodes in project, for example to assign properties to net segment nodes in E3.formboard such as seals, T-fittings, etc..

  • If attribute text template symbols with the Replicate option assigned (see Symbol Properties) are used, errors may occur under the following circumstances upon placing in project or saving to database:

    • The graphic element does not have any height extension.

      And the template symbol's space requirement affects the height and this space requirement affecting the height is lower than or equal to the space requirement affecting the width.

    • The graphic element does not have any width extension.

      And the template symbol's space requirement affect the width and this space requirement affecting the width is lower than or equal to the space requirement affecting the height.