A symbol is essentially a block definition that includes a name, geometry, the location of the base point to be used for aligning the symbol when you use it, and a description.
To create a symbol
The symbol you create is based on an existing object in your map or drawing.
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— Click .
At the Command prompt, enter mapcreatesymbol.
- In the Symbol Definition dialog box, make the following settings:
- Enter a name for the symbol.
- Set the base point.
- Select the objects in the drawing that will make up the symbol.
- Enter a description for the symbol.
Click OK.
- In the Block Editor, make any final settings.
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— Click Save Block.
- Click Close Block Editor.
To edit a symbol
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— Click .
At the Command prompt, enter mapeditsymbol.
- In the Edit Symbol Definition dialog box, select the symbol you want to edit and click OK.
The symbol is loaded into the Block Editor.
- In the Block Editor, make your changes to the symbol.
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— Click Save Block.
- Click Close Block Editor.
To edit and save an existing symbol as a new block
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— Click .
At the Command prompt, enter mapeditsymbol.
- In the Edit Symbol Definition dialog box, select the symbol you want to edit and click OK.
The symbol is loaded into the Block Editor.
- In the Block Editor, make your changes to define the new block.
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— Click .
- Do the following:
- Enter a new block name.
- Optionally, activate Save Block Definition to Drawing File if you want to share the block with other drawings.
- Click OK.
- Click Close Block Editor.
To convert a DWG block
Blocks can be converted to a symbol library or an XML file.
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— Click .
Optionally, click
At the Command prompt, enter mapconvertblocks.
- In the Block Converter dialog box, enter a drawing name in the Select DWG field, or click and browse to find a DWG file.
- In the Convert Blocks To section, specify whether you want to convert blocks to a Symbol Library or XML files.
- Click OK.