user defined symbol

[boldfish]

Will someone please tell me how to create a user defined symbol that can be used in appended text?

I'm using NX4 and the help documentation is a little shallow on how exactly this is done.

Thanks.

 

[Xwheelguy]

First, create the symbol. I believe you can only use lines or text (annotation, NOT Insert -> Curve -> Text). When finished creating the geometry, click File -> Utilities -> Symbol Fonts. This will bring up the Symbol Fonts dialog. Select Define Symbol. This will bring up the Symbol Font dialog.

Before we get too far along, I should point out that I prefer to add either a vertical or horizontal line that passes through the center of the geometry. The midpoint of this line should be at the center of what will eventually be the symbol. Do NOT add this line as part of the symbol when prompted, but rather, use it as the connecting points. Again, that's just how I prefer to do it so when I place the symbol, it will be placed by its center rather than a corner or something.

When ready, bring up the Symbol Font dialog (see above) and select Define Symbol. If you want to create a new .sbf file, then define it. If not, then add to the existing default .sbf file. Next, input the name of the symbol and use a factor of 1 to keep the symbol the same size and scale (watch the cue/status line for what is expected). You will next be prompted to define 2 connecting points. Use the reference line I mentioned above, if applicable. You can select the same 2 points (the midpoint of the symbol centerline if you wish). Next select all applicable geometry or text. If using the centerline method, DO NOT select it as part of the symbol. When finished selecting all the symbol geometry, click OK. If finished and you do not have more symbols to add to this .sbf file, click Cancel. If not finished adding symbols, then start over with Define Symbol.

When finished, open the Annotation Editor to the FULL Annotation Editor, not just the dialog bar. Click on the User-Defined Symbol tab then select the .sbf file you want to use from the left column. You should see all of your Symbol names in the right column. To use the symbol in the Annotation Editor, type <%SYMBOL NAME HERE>. You should now see your symbol in the display area of the Annotation Editor.

Hope this helps.

Tim Flater
Senior Designer
Enkei America, Inc.

http://www.enkei.com

 

[boldfish]

Thanks for the directions.

I do not have write privileges to the default .sbf file so I created the symbol in another directory.

How do I get this path to show up in the 'user defined symbol library' pull down? I only get the options of displayed part, current directory, and utility directory with no sign of my created symbol.

 

[Xwheelguy]

boldfish,

You have to have write permission to the UGII_BASE directory, which is Drive:\NX install directory\UGII unless you've changed it with a custom .bat file for starting NX. Instead of redefining the UGII_BASE_DIR, you might be able to add a new location for the .sbf files, but off the top of my head, I am not sure what the environment variable might be or if there even is one. On the other hand, it could very well be found in Customer Defaults instead of being an environment variable.

I'd strongly suggest getting with your I/T folks, explain to them that you need to have full read/write permissions for ALL NX directories so you can get NX set up to run the way you want. If that's asking too much, then you'll probably have to look into customizing the way NX starts up with a .bat file.

Next time you get ready to install a new, full version of NX (like NX5), make SURE you get the permissions set correctly prior to proceeding with the Admin. install or you'll be in the very same situation next time.

Tim Flater
Senior Designer
Enkei America, Inc.

http://www.enkei.com

 

[boldfish]

Thanks; I'll see what I can manage with the IT dept.

 

[phillpd]

You may want to consider using Custom Symbols, as the User Defined Symbols are considered "old". Custom Symbols are much easier to create/use.

Paul Phillips
Specialty Engineered Automation

http://www.sea4ug.com

 

[boldfish]

phillpd, can you elaborate? How do I create and use a custom symbol as applies to appended (dimension) text?

 

[Xwheelguy]

If you're wanting to include a symbol in a line of text, then User-Defined Symbol is probably the best bet, however Custom Symbols are more robust but unfortunately I do not believe you can include them in a line of text.

Tim Flater
Senior Designer
Enkei America, Inc.

http://www.enkei.com

 

[phillpd]

I guess I didn't read all of your posting. Tim is correct in that a user-defined symbol is the way to go for use in appended text.

Paul Phillips
Specialty Engineered Automation

http://www.sea4ug.com

 

[DavidTolsma]

To test out UDS, put the symbol where you start NX up at. This is the current directory option when adding UDS. If you don't have access to that directory create a script that calls the ugii.bat file. Where you created the script put your UDS files there.



-Dave
PLM Exchange

http://plmexchange.net

http://groups.google.com/group/NX_CAX/

 

[boldfish]

plm, that worked and is exactly what was needed.

Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions.