How to get file properties from a part to populate a draft document?

[ToddReitz]

Hi,
I'm learning Solid Edge, and am trying to set up a drawing/draft template that will have information that is pulled from part or assembly file properties, such as the part title, part number, date, and author, automatically fill in the title block of my drawing.

In the past, using programs such as Inventor & SolidWorks, I was able to do this, but in Solid Edge, I cannot seem to figure it out.

Can someone give me a hand with this?
Thanks

 

[jjengel]

Todd,

I've put together a little PDF that has the steps involved in placing "property text" within a draft. You can also find help in the Solid Edge help guide.

Jason

 

[KENAT]

Yeah, it's all about the 'property text' window. For templates 'by reference' generally works.

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[ToddReitz]

Thanks guys,
That would work for call outs if I had something on a print to point to, but I'm trying to use this to fill in my title block fields.
At the moment this is just a blank draft template with only a tile block.

 

[KENAT]

To pull information from the model referenced by the draft is where 'Index reference' comes in rather than 'from graphic connection...' or similar.

It's how we do our template title blocks so that the model file properties populate them.

You should get syntax something like:

%{Document Number|R1}
%{Title|R1}
%{Revision number|R1}

Until a view of a model is placed they won't populate.

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[ToddReitz]

KENAT,
Thanks, I understand that's how it's supposed to function.

My problem is getting the fields laid out and linked. I saw the property text button was available when using a callout, but I need to do this with (I think) a text box so the information will land in the correct locations within my title block.
How do I link text boxes?

 

[beachcomber]

You can't link text boxes, it has to be a callout.
The best thing to do is put a view of a model onto the sheet, then you will see the 'real' text in the callouts.
When you are done just delete the views.

You may need to do this anyway, otherwise the model properties might not appear in the property list in draft.
However, if you know what the property name is you can just type it in.

If you are using ST3 you can control what is shown in place of "Error;No Reference" when the draft has no model attached.
Go to Application Icon > Solid Edge Options > General > Property Text Error and you have 3 options.

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[KENAT]

Todd - just have a call out without a leader. Then it's similar to a text box but can call up file properties. I'm not on the latest version but there should be an option to turn off/not show leader lines.

Like Beach comber says, plopping a view in from a model that has all the necessary file properties may help.

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[ToddReitz]

Ok,
Got it now. Used call out, but just clicked in the general area where I wanted the text to be. Once the "error: No Reference" showed up, I was able to move it to the proper location.

Apparenly my machine's graphics are so slow, that when I was clicking to place the call out, nothing showed up, that's why I thought it didn't do anything. Once I zoomed the view, and the screen redrew/refreshed, then the "error: No Reference" text would show.
Thanks for your help.

 

[av8errr]

Todd,

I agree with KENAT, and am on ST3.
We use callouts referencing the draft file properties.
We just hide the leader line.
They are placed on the background of the template.

We have callouts for "Part Number, Tool Number, Description, Customer part revision, Date drawn, and Sheet number.

For some reason I am unable to upload my screen captures, but I could email them to you...

-Greg


-av8errrST3
xw46003GB
RAM2Quad CPU
3.00GHz

 

[beachcomber]

Also look at the 'Update Property Text' command, and don't forget the 'Line Up Text' command to get your call-outs in-line where they should be.
I find it really annoying when someone has set up a template and has then been too lazy to line the text up properly.

bc.
2.4GHz Core2 Quad, 4GB RAM,
Quadro FX4600.

Where would we be without sat-nav?

 

[KENAT]

Glad to hear I'm not the only pedant out there on this kind of thing.

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