You can define a new type of symbol based on an existing symbol or sketch located on the current drawing. When you later add the symbol to a drawing, you can specify values for the named parameters.
To define a symbol template,
1. Click Annotation and then, in the Annotate group, click More.
2. Click Define Symbol as Template in the Symbol section. The Symbol Template dialog box opens.
3. Click Sym/Sketch and select the base symbol on the drawing.
4. Enter a unique name in the Name box.
5. Select a category from the Category drop-down list or type a new category name.
6. Click the Thumbnail check box to create a small image of the defined symbol.
7. Click the Annotation and 3D Docu check boxes to register the sketch in either module.
8. Depending on your base symbol, complete the required boxes.
9. Specify the Angle and Margin for the thumbnail.
10. If needed, click Edit Thumbnail.
11. Click to complete the operation.
You can remove a parameter again if it is not needed by clicking off its check button. Click Clear All Parameters to remove all defined parameter names from the menu. This results in all text in the sketch or symbol to be fixed (unless you click new text to be parameters).
The newly defined symbol appears in the Template Browser.
Limitations
The following elements cannot be transferred to 3D Documentation:
• Splines and B-Splines
• Hatches
• Dimensions
• Symmetry Lines
• Centerlines
• Construction lines
• Points
Some elements' properties cannot be transferred to 3D Documentation:
• All elements are transferred with linesize = 0
• All texts are transferred with ratio = 1 and slant = 0
• All texts are transferred without frames
• All texts are transferred horizontically
If you confirm a warning message about untransferable data, the thumbnail will contain these data but the corresponding 3D symbol will not.
Define Symbol as Template in the Symbol section. The Symbol Template dialog box opens.
to complete the operation.