Thursday, December 21, 2006

MvPart: How to Add Connectors in Content Builder

So on we continue my "discovery" of MvParts. I had someone ask me how to add connectors to an existing MvPart. So I did a little right click nosing around and here's what I found. (It really is true...right click is your friend)

MvPart: How to Add Connectors in Content Builder:
This is based off of a pre-set up MvPart.
Open up a blank drawing and go to modelspace.
Click on CAD Manager/Content Editing/Content Builder.
Surf to the location of the MvPart that you want to modify.
Select it and then click on the "Modify Part Size" icon on the far right side.
(It's about the 5th button down)
When you get the new pop-up window click on the "Connectors" tab at the top.
Click on the top level name to select it.
Right click and choose "Add duct connector" (or any other connector type desired).
A new pop-up will appear called "Part Family Connector Properties".
Fill in a name, change the flow direction (bi-directional/in/out), and the shape (oval/rectangle/round) if necessary.
Click "ok" once you have entered/verified all the information.
This will now add that new connector to all the sub items in that drawing.
You will have to manually edit the connector locations in each of the drawings individually.
Right click on the connector you created that is under the specific block that you need to edit.
Click on "Edit Placement".
You will now be inside of that drawing and have a new palette show up call the "MvPartBuilder-Connector Editor".
If you know the actual point locations you can drop them in at the bottom of this new palette under the "Connector Geometry" section, under the "Position" subsection.
OR I believe you can click on the ellipse "..." button and physically select the locations.
Once you are done with that hit "OK" on the "MvPartBuilder-Connector Editor".
This will take you back to the MvPart Builder pop-up.
If you need to edit other connectors you can do so by clicking on them and going through the same process.
Click "Ok" and this will exit you out completely from the Content Builder.
I would suggest that you save and regen your catalog.
Also I suggest you and the others whom you want to see your changes close completely out of ABS and then open ABS back up.

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