The 2D Symbols utility is used to create symbols used to represent profile cross-sections, detailed parts, features, and end cuts in the Molded Forms and Structural Detailing tasks, and member cross-sections in the Structure task. The main purpose of 2D Symbols is to graphically create a flexible symbol definition so that it can be used to place different objects in a model. You use 2D Symbols to create:
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The graphic representation or inputs of the symbol.
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Named symbol geometry, such as edge names used to orient the symbol in the 3D environment and to constrain different types of symbols to each other.
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Parameters, such as driving dimensions.
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Geometric constraints (relationships) that specify which reference data parameters control which part of the symbol.
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Multiple representations, which can be selected in the model to control how the symbol is displayed.
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Additional auxiliary graphic objects to create and constrain symbols. These auxiliary objects do not become a part of symbol output geometry.
2D Symbols also completes the first step in adding a new cross-section to the catalog definition by loading symbol representations and the path to the original symbol file into rigidly formatted Microsoft Excel files. The Microsoft Excel files are then used for bulk loading the symbols into the Catalog database.
2D Symbols is available in [Project Folder]\Common2D\Symbol2D\Environment\Bin.
Using MicroStation or AutoCAD files as a Design Basis
You can use MicroStation or AutoCAD files as a basis for your 2D symbol, but the finished symbol cannot contain the imported drawing. When you link or embed a file from another software program, SmartSketch creates a smartframe, which cannot be used in a 2D symbol. Because of this, you must trace the graphics from the linked or embedded file and then delete the imported image.