761 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Learning Objectives After completing this chapter, you will be able to: ✓ Defi ne attributes. ✓ Create blocks that contain attributes. ✓ Insert blocks with attributes into a drawing. ✓ Edit attribute values in existing blocks. ✓ Edit single and multiple attribute references. ✓ Create title blocks, revision history blocks, and parts lists with attributes. ✓ Display attribute values in fi elds. Attributes enhance blocks that require text or numerical information. For example, a door tag block contains a letter or number that links the door to a door schedule. Adding an attribute to the door tag block allows you to include a unique letter or number with the symbol, without adding block defi nitions for each door tag. You can also extract attribute data to automate drawing requirements, such as preparing schedules, parts lists, and bills of materials. Defi ning Attributes Defi ning Attribute s Attributes and geometry are often used together to create a block. See Figure 25-1. However, you can prepare blocks that include only attributes. Create attributes with other objects during the initial phase of block development. Add as many attributes as needed to describe the symbol or product, such as the name, number, manufacturer, type, size, price, and weight of an item. Access the ATTDEF command to assign attri- butes using the Attribute Definition dialog box. See Figure 25-2. Attribute Modes Use the Mode area to set attribute modes. Symbols often require attributes to appear with the block. An alternative is to check Invisible to hide attributes, but still include attribute data in the drawing that you can reference and extract. The geranium symbol in Figure 25-1 is an example of a block with attributes that might be invisible, depending on the application. The other symbols in Figure 25-1 are examples of blocks with visible attributes. Blocks can include both visible and invisible attributes. attributes: Text- based data assigned to a specific object. Attributes turn a drawing into a graphical database. ATTDEF Ribbon Home Block Insert Block Definition Block Editor Action Parameters Define Attributes Type ATTDEF ATT extract: Gather content from the drawing file database to display in the drawing or in an external document. Block Attributes 25CHAPTER 25