All database-resident objects that derive from AcDbEntity inherit a basic Properties palette representation. This built-in implementation supports only those properties known as entity-common properties—layer, color, linetype, and so on. If you do not provide COM wrappers for custom objects derived from AcDbEntity, only entity-common properties appear in the Properties palette when one of your objects is selected.
If desired, you can enhance this minimal support by implementing a few basic interfaces. These interfaces let you display custom properties in the Properties palette. They allow you to categorize properties, expand them into sub-properties, and customize the appearance of the editing controls.
An ObjectARX application may provide additional instructions to the Properties palette regarding availability of properties and how to edit them. It can also define custom editors. For instance, you can tell the Properties palette to construct a custom combo box, or to invoke a custom dialog box when your property is selected.
To gain more control over the property-editing UI, you may choose to supplement the basic interfaces with their more advanced cousins. Advanced interfaces allow you to do the following: