Linking, Embedding, and Updating Imported Content
Imported CAD files, including 3D and Schematic data, are the source content for illustrations. For 3D files with branch links, all the branch links are imported with the root structure. For Schematic files, all sheets are imported. Branch links and sheets are all embedded, or all linked, depending on the type of import you choose. If you link the data, you can manage the update settings for each branch link or sheet separately.
Importing a CAD file copies its content and location into the illustration file. Before you select a file to import, choose to link or embed the content in the illustration. More information follows.
Linking Data
Selecting
Link maintains the link between the imported content in the illustration file and the source content in the CAD file. The advantage of linking a file is the ability to dynamically update your illustration whenever the source data is updated. You may be prompted to choose a link update policy, or a policy might be applied automatically by your administrator. For instructions on setting the preferences for link policy and automatic updates, see
To Set Loading Options.
When you open an illustration with updated, linked CAD data, parts removed from the eBOM are automatically deleted from the sBOM Tree. In Creo Illustrate, you can perform these updates to the sBOM Tree manually, or set them to happen automatically:
• New parts are added and remain unloaded.
• Removed parts are deleted.
• Nodes of the sBOM are updated according to changes to the eBOM’s structure.
Use
Update Link to force an update, change the source file or change the location of the source file.
A message with a summary of the updates appears when you open the file.
For Schematic files, when the update is completed, a report is displayed in the Update Summary dialog box. It contains information such as design edits or deleted sheets. You can copy the report to the clipboard. If new sheets are added to the Schematic file, the list of figures in the illustration is updated.
You can also unlink content. After you unlink content, it is embedded in the file. If there is a change to the location or name of a linked file, you must update the link. Its status changes to Status unknown, and you can browse to the new location or file name.
Embedding Data
Embed—Does not link the imported content in the illustration to the source content in the CAD file. When the source content changes, the imported content is not updated.
Managing Imported Content
The Content pane of the lower data panel shows a summary of the imported content, along with each item’s update policy and status. When you select an item in the Content pane, a context-sensitive Content tab appears in the ribbon. The content user interface is accessible in Edit Structure mode. You can check the update status of imported content that is linked.